Ducks Unlimited Volunteer Weekend

Are you interested in northwestern Indiana’s waterways and aquatic life? Shirley Heinze has a unique field-based volunteer opportunity for those who want to make an impact on regional planning that may interest you!
Shirley Heinze has partnered with Ducks Unlimited, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, and the National Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative to help launch a 2-year pilot project to survey aquatic barriers, such as culverts and dams, within the region. This endeavor has been made possible by a grant from the Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program.
When improper infrastructure is placed in rivers and streams, it may act as a barrier that prevents or deters aquatic species, such as fish, from accessing their necessary habitat. Our goal is to catalogue infrastructure for our partners to identify potential aquatic barriers or structures that may be eligible for removal or replacement. Volunteers and citizen scientists are essential to the success of projects like this. With more than 11,000 culverts to survey across three counties, field data collection is a big task. We’re looking for people who are curious about and excited to learn more about the health of their local waterways to help make this work possible.
This pilot program is offered for three days, June 26-28, with a special catered dinner to celebrate those who participate in all three days of survey. Each volunteer day will take place from 10 am to 2 pm.
Volunteers will work in groups guided by a project leader to travel to and survey these barriers’ characteristics, taking around 15-20 minutes per site. All needed supplies will be provided, but hip waders and boots are limited, so please bring a pair if available. More detailed information for the project and volunteer days can be found at Aquatic Barriers Survey | DU’s Indiana Geospatial Hub.

Sign Up To Volunteer