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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
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During the spring freshet we assess hundreds of headwater drainage features at various remote locations throughout the Rideau Valley watershed. We need your help conducting these assessments.
What to Expect
- You’ll spend a lot of time travelling to remote areas in an RVCA vehicle with one of our professionals. Your day will typically start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m., however some days may be longer.
- You’ll be navigating steep slopes; entering cold and fast flowing water wearing hip waders; and sometimes working in inclement weather (but never in a storm).
When
- Tentative dates are March through April. Depending on the timing of the spring freshet, this opportunity may start earlier and/or end later
Skills and Competencies Required
- To be successful in this role, you will already need to be comfortable travelling long distances, working in cold temperatures in and around water, wading through streams and walking in difficult terrain. We are looking for volunteers with good communication skills, positive attitude and the ability to work in teams.
Skills and Competencies To Be Acquired
You will gain hands on experience:
- applying the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol module to assess headwater drainage features
- wearing chest waders and working in small streams
- how to operate a multiparameter water chemistry probe
- how to measure surface water velocities
- recognizing sediment deposition
- detecting fish migration barriers
- how to identify various types of vegetation
Be Prepared
- You will need your own transportation to and from RVCA headquarters at 3889 Rideau Valley Drive in Manotick
- Read the RVCA's Participant Guide
You will need to provide:
- your own warm and water-resistant clothing (dressing in layers is a good idea);
- your own footwear and extra socks – wear closed toe shoes to get around, to wear chest waders you will require a thick pair of socks with length (no ankle socks);
- your own lunch, snacks and beverages.
We Supply
- electronic copy of the OSAP manual module: Assessing Headwater Drainage Features
- chest waders and reflective vests;
- sunscreen and DEET bug repellant;
- sampling equipment;
- supervision and instruction.
RVCA Contact
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
Brief Description
During the fall we sample benthic invertebrates using the kick-and-sweep method throughout the Rideau Valley watershed.
What to Expect
You’ll spend a lot of time traveling to remote areas in an RVCA vehicle with one of our professionals. Your day will typically start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m., however, some days might be longer. You’ll be walking steep slopes; entering cold and fast flowing water wearing chest waders; canoeing in lakes and sometimes working in inclement weather.
When
- Tentative dates are Monday to Friday, October through to November. Depending on the fall conditions, this opportunity may start earlier and/or end later.
Skills and Competencies Required
- To be successful in this role, you will already need to be comfortable traveling long distances, working in cold temperatures in and around water, wading through streams and walking in difficult terrain. We are looking for volunteers with good communication skills, positive attitude and the ability to work in teams.
Skills and Competencies To Be Acquired
To be successful in this role, you will already need to be comfortable travelling long distances, working in cold temperatures in and around water, wading through streams, wearing chest waders, touching benthic invertebrates and walking in difficult terrain. We are looking for volunteers with good communication skills, positive attitude and able to work in teams.
- Aquatic sampling field experience;
- wearing chest waders and working in streams;
- operating a multiparameter water chemistry probe;
- use of a Secchi disk, a composite sampler, and a Van Doren
- Kick and sweep techniques for benthic invertebrates
Be Prepared
You will need your own transportation to and from RVCA headquarters (3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick.
Read the Participant Guide found in the volunteer section of the RVCA website.
You will need to provide:
- your own warm and water-resistant clothing (dressing in layers is a good idea);
- your own footwear and extra socks – wear closed toe shoes to get around;
- to wear chest waders you will require a thick pair of socks with length (no ankle socks);
- your own lunch, snacks, and beverages.
We Supply
- chest waders and flotation safety equipment;
- sampling equipment, supervision and instruction.
RVCA Contacts
RVCA is proud to be part of the City Stream Watch Program. Since 2003, this program has worked with volunteers to monitor and report on information about our urban creeks and streams in the City of Ottawa.
City Stream Watch volunteers:
- conduct stream habitat assessments (physical and biological characteristics)
- sample for and identify aquatic benthic invertebrates
- participate in fish sampling sessions
- monitor stream temperatures
- remove invasive species
- assist in stream rehabilitation and shoreline restoration projects
- clean up streams to remove urban garbage
Monitoring Schedule:
Want to learn more?
Contact:
City Stream Watch Coordinator
613-692-3571 ext. 1155
Volunteer Opportunities
The City Stream Watch is always looking for new volunteers to help monitor, protect and clean up Ottawa streams. No experience is needed and no minimum time commitment.
Sign-up to our mailing list to join our list of volunteers and receive information on City Stream Watch opportunities. You can also check out our latest events on our volunteer calendar.
Reports
View City Stream Watch Reports.
Partners:
The City Stream Watch Program is a community-based partnership which includes the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Heron Park Community Association, Ottawa Flyfishers Society, Rideau Roundtable, Canadian Forces Fish and Game Club, Ottawa Stewardship Council, City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission.
Love being outside? Enjoy working with children? Looking to complete your 40 hours of volunteering for high school? Baxter Conservation Area is looking for mature, enthusiastic volunteers to help out with our nature-themed summer day camp. Volunteers must be going into grade 9 in the fall or older. Camp includes nature hikes, pond studies, crafts, games and swimming at Baxter's sandy beach.
For more information, please contact the Baxter team at:
613-489-3592
Day Pass - $6 / vehicle
Display receipt on dashboard
How to Purchase an Day Pass
From Pay Machines located at park entrances
Annual Pass - $45 / year
Where to Purchase an Annual Pass
- Interpretive Centre (where applicable)
- Pay Machines located at the park entrance (receipt can be redeemed for permanent pass)
- Rideau Valley Conservation Centre (3889 Rideau Valley Dr. Manotick, ON K4M 1A5)
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