WaterWatch UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO EXTENSION UPDATE

Summer-Fall 2016 Volume 6 Issue 2-3

University of Idaho, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Idaho counties cooperating.

Highlights

Upcoming events

Recap: summer 2016 workshops Project WET update

Cleaner. Water. Faster. video shorts Updated website CDA Chamber Best of award Preliminary workshop schedule 2017

Photo from summer

Contact Information

Jim Ekins

Area Water Educator

208-292-1287

jekins@uidaho.edu

Marie Pengilly

CWRC Outreach Coordinator

208-292-2540

mpengilly@uidaho.edu

Idah2o@uidaho.edu http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/idah2o

1031 North Academic Way

Suite #242

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814

The University of Idaho is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and

educational organization. We offer our programs to persons regardless of race,

color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

Hello Master Water Stewards!

Well, summer and much of fall sure shot past me like a watermelon seed from

between my fingers! As has happened in the past, this issue of Water Watch is a

combined Summer and Fall newsletter. I’ll admit that it’s a time saving trick, but we

got a lot done over the last few months!

October in north Idaho has been almost a record-breaking wet month, with rainfall

20 days so far. It’s good for bringing groundwater levels and creeks up from

summer’s dry season. But it can also wash pollutants off of our roads and parking

lots into the rivers and lakes, and into the groundwater. If you are able to do some

late fall monitoring, before the snow and ice fall, it would be great to gather that

data. Also, if your creek went dry during summer, it is useful to know when it

flowed again.

In this issue you will find stories about my summer’s travels to teach IDAH2O across

the state of Idaho, Project WET and IDAH2O workshop information, newly released

short videos about clean water, a brand new Extension publication for rural

homeowners, and information about IDAH2O’s updated website. IDAH2O was

honored to receive the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce’s “Best Of” award for

the Colleges and Universities category.

There are more interesting things going on with IDAH2O going on into the winter. It

will be a busy winter, writing up several publications and developing updated

educational programs for 2017! I will keep you posted as things develop, and as

always, feel free to give me

a phone call or write any

time.

Happy monitoring!

Sincerely,

Jim Ekins

www.facebook.com/idah2o

Summer 2016 IDAH2O Workshop Tour; “Circuit-teaching” across Idaho reflections by Jim Ekins

Summer 2016 was another success, certifying 62 new Master Water Stewards, and creating new partnerships with wonderful Idaho organizations. Workshops this summer included two new locations: Island Park and Salmon; of course, I taught IDAH2O in Boise, Sandpoint, Moscow, and McCall, as has been the case since 2011, plus again in Driggs for only the second time. Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston’s workshops didn’t get enough registrants this year, but we’ll try again this year with renewed interest.

Boise’s late April workshop included Julie Scanlin, then Idaho Project WET’s statewide coordinator, and Cindy Busche, the education coordinator for the Boise WaterShed. The three of us make a dynamic teaching team, each bringing enthusiasm and a different set of expertise to the workshop. We explored the Boise watershed, did some Project WET activities, and investigated a nearby historic irrigation canal during the field portion. Once again, it’s a real delight to have the classroom and field portions located at the same place. Participants included staff from the Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge, K-12 teachers, and volunteers from across the Boise metro area. The day before, Julie and I led a water quality educational program with Victoria Casetta, a science teacher from Centennial High School, and several H.S. students.

Sandpoint’s workshop in May continues to foster a delightful relationship with the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society and the Pend Oreille Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists. Once again, we were very fortunate to be able to use the Waterlife Discovery Center’s facilities for the classroom and the field portion of the workshop. Also in attendance was Kaniksu Land Trust’s Regan Plumb, who might be able to use some of the IDAH2O monitoring protocol for some of the land trust check-ups throughout the year. Also included were K-12 teachers from the Sandpoint area and even a couple of folks from as far away as Newport, WA.

Moscow’s June workshop included an energetic audience, with Homeschool Institute of Science’s Executive Director, Will Boyd and three of his kids, another homeschooling parent, plus attendees from as far as Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. Two graduate students from U-Idaho attended, as was Megan Hitchens, Youth Educator for the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane. We had a delightful classroom session in PCEI’s brand new Nancy Taylor Stage and Pavilion. In years past, I used the straw-bale constructed bike/picnic shelter as the classroom setting. But this year, the stage proved to be the perfect spot for the workshop. Thanks again goes to the hardworking folks at the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute for creating such a useful and beautiful nature center.

The next IDAH2O workshop was across the state, in beautiful Driggs, ID. I have worked closely with Friends of the Teton River’s Shannon Brady, Education Coordinator, and Executive Director Amy Verbeten, to help coordinate the workshop. Also integral to the program was former Harriman State Park Ranger and then Wyoming Wilderness Association’s staff, Michelle Jorgensen, who was able to pique the interest of the Henry’s Fork Chapter of Idaho Master Naturalists. Finally, I had the real pleasure of meeting and working with one of my most recently hired Extension colleagues, Teton County Extension Faculty member, Jen Werlin, a Community Food Systems specialist. Attendees included longtime volunteer citizen scientists, Ken and Collett Olson, elementary teachers, and Master Naturalists who couldn’t make the Island Park workshop. Kudos go out to the Valley of the Tetons Library, Driggs branch, for opening early on a beautiful Saturday morning, for allowing us to use their comfortable classroom for no fee, and for their incredibly attentive staff members. The afternoon field session was again held along the banks of Trail Creek at Brookside Hollow park, where FTR holds regular K-12 water quality field days. It should be noted that the evening before, I had the opportunity to photograph the “supermoon” rise over the Tetons as the sun set.

Sometime very early in 2016 (or maybe late 2015), Michelle Jorgenson had contacted the leaders of the Henry’s Fork Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists, who expressed tremendous interest in the IDAH2O program. Many of the members are very interested in citizen science, and the IDAH2O water quality monitoring efforts can count toward their volunteer hours requirement. The response was, admittedly, more than I had expected. But this was a “happy problem”, and I immediately went about to organize a

workshop just for the group. I was on a tight month-long circuit-teaching schedule, but I decided to hold an Island Park workshop the very next day after the Driggs Workshop. Held at The Nature Conservancy’s Flat Ranch, once again the classroom and field portions were located in the same place. It also enabled the beginning of a wonderful relationship with the local chapter of The Nature Conservancy. In addition, TNC was kind enough to allow this weary traveler to stay in the Ranch’s little bunk room, all for no charge! During the evening before the workshop, I was able to investigate the teaching site, and to do some amazing sunset and moonrise photography. This turned out to be one of the most well attended IDAH2O workshops ever, with over 21 attendees! The evening after, I visited the Sawtell Peak for one of the best sunsets I have ever seen, and prepared for an early departure for the town of Salmon the next morning.

Salmon, ID welcomed me with warm, sunny days and cool nights. I camped along the banks of the Salmon River at Morgan Bar Recreation Site. I arrived early enough to work all afternoon the day before the workshop with my friends and colleagues in the Lemhi County Extension’s office who helped me to arrange this first ever Salmon workshop. I also worked in close partnership with the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Education Center, who provided classroom and field space at no charge. It was one of the smallest workshops ever provided, with three highly enthusiastic and inquisitive interns in attendance. We also happened upon a hatch of some of the largest golden stoneflies I have ever seen. With the small crowd, I was able to very much personalize the workshop to meet their individual educational needs. The interns were working with the Extension office, as well as the Salmon Valley Stewardship and the Lemhi Regional Land Trust, which were kind enough to allow the interns an entire day to become certified Master Water Stewards. These are two high-performing organizations I with whom I hope to continue to partner with into the future.

After a few weeks’ break from IDAH2O workshops, during which I taught at several weeklong summer science camps, the final IDAH2O workshop of the year happened in McCall. Working closely with the City of McCall Environmental Advisory Committee’s Sean Gould, the classroom portion was once again held in the City’s Legion Hall meeting room. One member of the McCall Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists and the Payette Forest Coalition, as well as other interested folks, attended. The field portion was held on Lick Creek, just before it flows into Little Payette Lake.

All told, I was on the road for more than a month this summer, totaling over 3700 miles, to complete the circuit teaching. Camping in my little A-Liner trailer was a wonderful thing, but I will admit that by the end of it I was very ready to be back home. I am

thankful to no end for the friendships I created and fostered, and for the many new people and communities I got to know a little better along the way. I am looking forward to more summer travels during 2017, but perhaps not quite the same duration.

Summer 2016 IDAH2O Workshop Tour (cont.)

IDAH2O News and Updates

IDAH2O Master Water Stewards Receives 2016 Best of Coeur d'Alene Award

SOURCE: Coeur d'Alene Award Program

COEUR D'ALENE October 11, 2016 -- IDAH2O Master Water Stewards - U-Idaho Extension has been selected for the 2016 Best of Coeur d'Alene Award in the Colleges & Universities category by the Coeur d'Alene Award Program.

Each year, the Coeur d'Alene Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Coeur d'Alene area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2016 Coeur d'Alene Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Coeur d'Alene Award Program and data provided by third parties. More information can be found here: http://coeurdalene.coeurdalene.localawardscenter.org/PressReleaseub.aspx?cc=DF3Z-SBEV-VD22

New and Improved IDAH2O Website

By Jim Ekins and Amy Calabretta

The University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Communications Department has worked with the IDAH2O program to create an improved website. The new website includes better navigation, mobile friendly accessibility and updated informational content. It also includes a new way to register and pay for IDAH2O workshops, and the ability to add updated photos. While the old web address will automatically forward browsers to the new site, please change your browser bookmark to: http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/idah2o

IDAH2O becomes N. Idaho’s “Local Host Institution” for Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)

By Cindy Busche (Boise WaterShed) and Jim Ekins

University of Idaho has provided Project WET certification (and professional development credits) for K-12 teachers and for the public for decades under the enthusiastic and sound leadership of Julie Scanlin. Julie’s retirement last summer brought several changes to the Project WET Idaho coordination. The program has moved to a regional model with two host institutions offering workshops and teacher support. Northern Idahoans may contact Jim Ekins. Jim is the Area Water Educator for U-Idaho Extension. He develops and delivers watershed science educational programs to all parts of the community. Jim runs the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards citizen science volunteer water quality monitoring program, and leads the Cleaner Water Faster bi-state educational project related to stormwater pollution. He also develops i-STEM and Adventure Learning programming for K-12 teachers. Southern Idahoans may contact Cindy Busche. Cindy is the Environmental Education Coordinator at the Boise WaterShed Environmental Education Center. Her role is to develop and teach water curriculum to students and adults. She also facilitates Project WET, i-STEM and Adventure Learning workshops in Boise. Cindy is also a Master Water Steward, and actively participates in the Boise area IDAH2O workshops. The Project WET coordinators will continue to collaborate with Project WILD and PLT to offer dynamic EE opportunities around the state. We are seeking interested individuals who would like to facilitate Project WET in other regions. Cindy Busche’s contact: cbusche@cityofboise.org, bee.cityofboise.org , 208-608-7244

Project WET, headquartered in Montana, develops and delivers water education resources, organizes special water events, manages a worldwide network of local implementing partners and advocates for the role of water education in solving the world's most pressing water issues.

Jim’s vision for the program includes certifying pre-service K-12 teachers as they are in their final year of college, providing WET workshops to 4-H staff, faculty, and volunteers, increasing the use of Project WET activities in out-of-school settings, and eventually restoring Project WET as a statewide program, with robust partnerships with organizations such as the Boise WaterShed. Jim also wishes Julie all the best in retirement; may the game be plentiful and the fish easy to catch!

Cindy Busche

Julie Scanlin

Water and Rural Living: What Idaho Homeowners Need to Know

After over a year in the works, IDAH2O finally published a water-themed resource guide for rural Idaho homeowners, REALTORS®, and anyone thinking about purchasing a rural property. The publication includes topics such as Septic Systems, drinking water wells, building setbacks to protect water, wetlands, protecting shorelines, floodplains, and a directory of agencies and organizations so that people know where to go with any specific question about water resources. It can be downloaded for free: http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/BUL/BUL905.pdf

Summer 2017 IDAH2O Workshops Tentative Schedule

The IDAH2O summer schedule is still under development but here’s what we have so far!

April 29 (Saturday): Boise, ID with Project WET

TBA (May 6th?): (Saturday): Coeur d'Alene, ID

TBA (May 13?): (Saturday): Sandpoint, ID

TBA (June 10?): (Saturday): Moscow, ID

TBA (June 17?): (Saturday): Lewiston, ID

TBA (June 24?): (Saturday): Cascade/Donnelley, ID

TBA (very tentative): Twin Falls

TBA (very tentative): Pocatello

Specifically for your group (twelve +)

Please contact us if you or your group would like to host an IDAH2O workshop, get more information, or schedule a workshop for your watershed group.

Water Use Efficiency Tips

Indoors: I had to replace two leaky toilet valves and two leaky faucet washers this summer. It’s a bit of a pain to do, but really,

each only took me about fifteen minutes once I had the correct parts and tools. Go ahead and get these fixed sooner, rather than later; before I had a chance to fix it, my leaky tub faucet was dripping a 5-gallon bucket every day!

Outdoors: There’s not much outdoor watering to do this time of year. But don’t forget to unhook all you hoses and do

whatever is needed to protect your outdoor faucets. Carefully drain your garden hoses and store them out of the weather to help them last longer.

Cleaner. Water. Faster. Short Video Series Update

By the end of summer 2016, University of Idaho’s Video Productions Center and I finished production of five of the Cleaner Water. Faster. project short videos about protecting clean water. Each video highlights something that people and communities can do to help protect our streams, lakes, and groundwater. Eventually, up to sixteen videos will be produced, but for now there are plans for four additional videos to be completed by the end of 2016. Here’s the list and the links to view them:

Introductory video: https://vimeo.com/143069653

Riparian Buffers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciIuurKqgvQ&feature=youtu.be Urban Farming: still in post-production, but very near completion

Phosphorous and Wastewater: still in post-production

Urban Forests: still in post-production

And, the four that are still being filmed: Bioinfiltration to Treat Stormwater, Greenspaces in Urban Areas, Low Impact Development, Water-Wise Landscaping.

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO EXTENSION UPDATE

WaterWatch Looking back at Summer 2016...

Call for Unused Kits!

Do you have an IDAH2O monitoring kit collecting dust?

If you find that, for whatever reason, you are unable to

monitor for us at this time, please contact us about

returning your kit. We do have limited funds so we

need to make sure our kits are being used as much as

possible.

Remember! Check your monitoring

kit equipment for expiration dates!

Contact us for replacements.

IDAH2O Snapshot Events will regrettably no longer be

regularly held in fall and spring. IDAH2O needs to end the tradition, due to decreasing demand for the tests, increasing costs, and increasing demands on my time. That being said, depending on my schedule, I may still be able to arrange for Total Phosphorous, Nitrate-N, Total Coliform, and/or E. coli testing with some advanced notice, cost TBA. I know that some of you have a strong interest in the tests for watershed groups or for your own water intake information, and I am happy to do my best to serve those needs. And I may be able to revive the tradition in the future, so stay tuned. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. —Jim Ekins