Contact Us

Coeur d'Alene

Physical Address:
1031 N. Academic Way, Suite 242
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Phone: 208-292-1287

Email: idah2o@uidaho.edu

Google Maps

Jim Ekins

IDAH2O Coordinator

Email: jekins@uidaho.edu

IdaH2O Listserv

Volunteers with specific questions are encouraged to submit to the listserv.

Email: idah2o-list@uidaho.edu

Resources

Wildlife and Water Curriculum — 4-H

Download the Wildlife and Water Habitats 4-H Curriculum (PDF | 17 MB). This curriculum is provided for free for a trial period, and in response to a need for science activities for K-12 teachers and currently homeschooled kids and parents. This is written for a ~sixth-grade audience, but can be modified for students in upper elementary through high school. Click here to download the corresponding Volunteer Guide (PDF | 6 MB).

IDAH2O Instructional Videos

View the Complete Playlist

IDAH2O Master Water Stewards Welcome Video (3min)

Short video to welcome and introduce participants to the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards online version of the classroom portion of the certification workshop. Total viewing time for all seven modules is 2.5 hours. With quizzes and exploration of other resources made available, you should set aside about three hours to complete this portion of the workshop.

Module 1: Introduction to IDAH2O Master Water Stewards (17min)

This is the first of seven training modules for the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards Program. Here we cover an introduction to the IDAH2O program, community- (citizen-) science in broader terms, what we expect from IDAH2O volunteers, the resources we can provide, how the program works, and information about safety in and near streams.

Module 2: Key Water Quality Concepts in Idaho (28min)

This is the second of seven educational learning modules for the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards citizen science water quality monitoring program. is a broad, “30,000-foot” view of the key concepts related to water quality in Idaho. We will explore the Clean Water Act, a federal pollution control legal framework, the concept of beneficial uses, the two types of pollution sources, and the common pollutants found in Idaho’s waterways.

Module 3: Getting Started as an IDAH2O Master Water Steward (26min)

This is the third of seven educational learning modules for the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards citizen science water quality monitoring program. Module three will focus on specific things any IDAH2O Master Water Steward needs to know and do before starting to assess streams or ponds. First we will look into the nature of watersheds and how they are mapped and organized. Second we will demonstrate the parts of a monitoring plan. With these knowledge sets, you will be ready to plan out your own water quality monitoring.

Module 4: Stream Habitat Assessments (36min)

This is the fourth of seven educational learning modules for the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards citizen science water quality monitoring program. The habitat assessment is conducted only once a year, at times of low flow, like August or September. The stream’s structure and habitat readily change only during times of high flows, so your descriptions will be good for the year. More of the banks are visible during low flow, and the rocks or other substrate in the bottom of the stream is more easily accessible at low flow, too.

Module 5: Physical and Chemical Stream Assessments (16min)

This is the fifth of seven educational learning modules for the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards citizen science water quality monitoring program. The Physical Assessment includes observations of physical characteristics of a stream. These characteristics influence the chemical and biological aspects of the stream.

Module 6: Stream Biology (19min)

This is the sixth of seven educational learning modules for the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards citizen science water quality monitoring program. Water is essential for all life to exist, and our waterbodies support many living things. Stream habitat, chemistry, and physical attributes affect what life can use the stream, and to some extent, vice versa. IDAH2O’s Stream Biological Assessment focuses on life that tells us a story about the water quality in the stream.

Module 7: Standing Water Assessments, Aquatic Invasive Species (14min)

This is the seventh of seven educational learning modules for the IDAH2O Master Water Stewards citizen science water quality monitoring program. If you are like me, you are itching to get out into the stream to try out some stream assessments in person. But there are a few final items to cover. First is that you might not be interested in monitoring a stream. Perhaps you live on a lake or have a pond in your backyard. Aquatic Invasive Species is an essential topic in any stream or pond monitoring program. And, finally, there are always a few important closing thoughts.