www.wellsreserve.org/news/2006-05-05_wet.htm

WATER TESTING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT WELLS RESERVE

WELLS, MAINE - The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is currently recruiting summer volunteers for the Watershed Evaluation Team (WET) and Maine Healthy Beaches. These two programs are great for people who are interested in local water quality and want to take part in hands-on projects. No experience or scientific background is required.

The WET program is open to anyone age 12 or older. Field training will take place on Thursday, June 22, from 9 am to 1 pm, with lab training on Friday, June 23, from 9 am to 2 pm. The volunteer time commitment is about 5 hours on each WET sampling date: July 6 and 20 and August 7 and 18. To get involved, call Sarah Jolly at (207) 646-1555 ext 116 or email her at sjolly@WellsNERR.org.

Maine Healthy Beaches training takes place at the Wells Reserve on June 1 at 1 pm. The program, which involves several state and local partners, is seeking volunteers for Drakes Island, Wells, and Laudholm beaches. For information, call Nancy Viehmann at (207) 646-1555 ext 118 or email her at nancyv@WellsNERR.org.

The Wells Reserve WET program collects and analyzes water samples to highlight areas of concern for further testing and to identify changes in water quality over time. Healthy waters are important for drinking, fishing, and swimming. Clean water is also essential for plant and animal communities.

The success of the WET program depends on consistent, accurate data collection over many years. Thanks to the sustained efforts of many WET volunteers, scientists at the Wells Reserve have the data they need to evaluate water quality in two local watersheds.

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, with facilities at historic Laudholm Farm, is committed to investigating coastal environments and increasing understanding of their ecology. For more information, visit www.wellsreserve.org or call (207) 646-1555.

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