Join us for a special day of water quality data collection!
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - 9:00am - 3:00pm
Event Location
There are 5 collection hubs (listed in the event details)
Advance Registration Required
No
Event Details
Attention outdoor enthusiasts and volunteer scientists! We need your help to get as as many water quality observations from around the Chesapeake Bay as possible on Tuesday, August 12th.
There will be two high-resolution satellites, Landsat-9 and Sentinel-2a, gracing the skies above the Chesapeake Bay. We can use your water samples and observations to improve the water quality monitoring algorithms for not one but two satellites.
Here's how you can participate:
Collect a water and/or HydroColor sample from the Bay or from any tidal river that flows into the Bay
Fill out a quick datasheet
Drop off your water sample and datasheet at a nearby collection hub
Your small act can make a big impact in monitoring our coastal ecosystems. Don't miss out on the fun!
Time
The drop-off window varies by collection hub, so be sure to check where you would like to drop off your sample.
Samples must be dropped off at the collection hubs by the end time indicated to ensure we have enough time to transport and process the samples.
Enter the classroom on the left, walk to the back corner with cabinets to find the CWW machines and protocol binder. If you need to fill out a datasheet, you can find them in the binder. Rubberband your datasheet to the binder and place sample in the cabinet.
Your safety is our #1 priority. If weather does not permit for collection, that’s okay! We will have more events and ways to get involved in the future.
Be sure to write clearly on your data sheet! We need to be able to match up the water sample to the data on your datasheet. Without both, we won’t be able to use your sample!
Try to take a water sample as far from the shore as possible. If it’s too close to shore, wave action may contaminate the sample and not give us an accurate representation of the overall body of water.
Transport your water sample in a cooler or thick bag. Some of the measurements we get from water samples can be affected by heat and light.
Through story time and activities, kids will learn about animals of the Chesapeake Bay with our SERC Educators and Splash the River Otter Puppet! Limited to 10 kids and they must be accompanied by an adult.
June 17th - Butterflies
July 1st - River Otters
July 15th - Bay Fish
July 29th - Bay Birds
August 12th - Turtles
Free!
June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, and August 12, 2025, 10:00am - 11:00am