Stream Sampling Program

The stream sampling program started in 1990 by dedicated volunteers such as Walt Neilson, Fred Neidhart and Wayne Swallow leading teams and sampling over 30 streams including major tributaries to the major lakes in Leelanau County.  Over the past few years the stream sampling list has been reduced to approximately 16 sites, which include the major tributaries to inland lakes and Lake Michigan. These streams are sampled on a 2-year rotating basis. This is mostly due to the number of volunteers available to sample.

The historic stream measurements include Flow, Total Phosphorus, Ammonia, Nitrate, and Total Kleldahl Nitrogen.   Stream sampling data collected tioday includes flow (discharge), Total Phosphorus, and temperature. Qualitative data such as weather and other observations in the field is also recorded. Al of the data is anazlyed using the Great Lakes Enironmental Center (GLEC)

Below is a link to a the list of the stream sampling program for 2012 to 2015: (note some sites are subject to change)

Stream Sampling Schedule 2012-2015

2013 Stream Sampling Map

If you are interested in volunteering to monitor our streams please contact Yarrow Wolfe at the Conservancy. We sample from Spring to Fall and will start training any new crews in April.
As of April 2013, we need one more team to sample two creeks near Cedar. Please call if you are interested in learning more.