Volunteer initiatives (Spring 2023)

The Watershed Institute (3 Opportunities)

Streamwatch Monitor

Position Details:

The Watershed Institute is looking for volunteers to join their stream monitoring team. Two of the teams are Chemical Action Team (CAT) and Biological Action Team (BAT).

StreamWatch CAT volunteers monitor one weekend per month year-round and attend a mandatory Quality Assurance session in the Watershed Lab every year. Volunteers test six basic water quality parameters: water and air temperature, phosphates, nitrates, pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. The results are analyzed and reported to the public through our quarterly subwatershed report cards, municipal report cards, and online. Data is also submitted to the EPA’s Water Quality Exchange.

StreamWatch BAT volunteers monitor the populations of organisms called macroinvertebrates. Water quality ratings are based on the abundance of various species and their sensitivity to pollutants. If the stream is healthy, a diverse macroinvertebrate population can be found in a relatively small sample of water. A reduction in their numbers may indicate a high level of pollution. Sampling is conducted twice a year in the spring and fall. Once a year the organisms are identified to family level in the Watershed Lab by BAT volunteers. The other samples collected that year will be sent to a certified lab for identification to the genus level.

Additional Details:

• Spots are limited! You must fill out an application.

• Timeline: This is currently ongoing

• Area(s) of Interest: Science/Research

• Time Commitment: 1 year commitment

  • CAT volunteers monitor the streams monthly

  • BAT volunteers monitor the streams twice a year

• Transportation: Using Lyft pass/coordinating with PACE center

• Interested? Join by filling out this form and sign up on MyPrincetonU

CWAP (Community Watershed Advocacy Program)

Position Details:

The Watershed Institute's Community Watershed Advocate Program (CWAP) educates all those interested in learning more about how best to advocate for their water resources. Training on a multitude of topics including environmental justice, water quality, environmental policy, and more are conducted by in-house and guest experts. Volunteers are taught how to advocate at the local level for environmental resiliency and sustainability. That could take the form of attending a planning board meeting and speaking about the impact a proposed project would have on stormwater runoff or advocating that a local school install a rain garden and assisting them in doing so or many other possible activities.

Additional Details:

• Timeline: Ongoing

• Area(s) of Interest: Education, Environmental Justice

• Time Commitment: 1.5 - 2 hours (for an 8 week period)

• Location: Hybrid (both virtual and in-person)

• Interested? Join by filling out this form and sign up on MyPrincetonU

Stream Cleanup for Earth Day

Event Details:

Princeton's Environmental Commission, working with the Watershed, will be doing their Stream Cleanup on Earth Day, April 22nd.

Additional Details:

• Location: 782 Bunn Dr, Princeton, NJ 08540

• Date: Saturday April 22nd 2023 9am - 11am

• Area(s) of Interest: Nature Restoration

• Time Commitment: One time opportunity

• Transportation: Using Lyft pass

• Interested? Pre-register here and on MyPrincetonU

Food & Water Watch (1 Opportunity)

Joining Empower NJ

Details:

Empower NJ is a coalition of several New Jersey environmental organizations. They work to fight climate change in NJ by winning state policies to facilitate a rapid and just transition off fossil fuels and onto 100% clean renewable energy. They are looking for more youth activists to provide a youth perspective and help with main rallies/events.

Additional Details:

• Location: Virtual (with in-person opportunities available)

• Date: Weekly, Fridays at 3pm

• Area(s) of Interest: Political Advocacy

• Time Commitment: Weekly

• Interested? Fill out this form and on MyPrincetonU

Pocono Environmental Education Center (1 Opportunity)

Creating Exhibits for the Education Center

Details:

The Pocono Environmental Education Center is working on designing and building new exhibits for their recreation and education center. They are hoping their exhibits are educational and engaging for all audiences, particularly younger audiences. Volunteers would be involved in the brainstorming, designing, and construction process of the exhibits. They’re looking for more exhibits that cover the following five categories:

1. Natural Science

2. History of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation

3. Watersheds

4. Native American History (Lenape Nation)

5. Native Animal Species

Additional Details:

• We are looking for 5 - 10 people!

• Location: Virtual + 538 Emery Rd, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

• Date: Ongoing

• Area(s) of Interest: Nonprofit support, Education

• Time Commitment: Reoccurring Monthly

• Interested? Sign up on MyPrincetonU

EcoReps (1 Opportunity)

Clean Up With An EcoRep

Details:

Looking for a way to volunteer your time and promote sustainability on campus? Join the EcoReps for a litter pick up this Sunday afternoon (4/2) to help reduce trash buildup around Prospect. This is a great opportunity to engage in community service and meet other peers who are also interested in getting involved. At 12 pm, we will all meet in Frist's EcoLounge (the first room behind the C-store that has the same hallway as the mailroom) where we will quickly go over the route for that day and I will give a brief description of the work that we are doing. If you have any questions, reach out to Jayla Cornelius at jjaylac@princeton.edu.

Additional Details:

• Unlimited Spots Open!

• Location: Princeton University

• Date: 4/2/2023

• Area(s) of Interest: Campus Support, Restoration

• Time Commitment: One time with potential multiple opportunities to help

• Transportation: Not needed

• Interested? Sign up on MyPrincetonU