On Saturday April 19th, volunteers joined us for our Community Water Action in Toledo (CWAT) Training & Kickoff event, and it was such a great day!
We kicked off another exciting year of the CWAT water quality sampling program with an incredible group of dedicated volunteers who joined us at our launch event! It was a great mix of new and returning faces, and we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout to begin the sampling season.
Kat Kieffer led the charge with an insightful presentation and hands-on training session. She did a fantastic job highlighting the importance of the program and how our collective efforts contribute to healthier waterways in our region. Volunteers had the chance to get hands-on experience with learning how to properly collect samples, use the equipment, complete data sheets, and follow safety protocols.
We were also thrilled to welcome a special guest, Amy Wamsley of Amy’s Swimventure, who shared her inspiring story of training to swim the English Channel. She spoke passionately about the connection between clean water and open-water swimming, offering a global perspective on water conservation. Although river conditions prevented her from completing her planned swim that day, Amy assured us she’ll be back. Her mission to swim all 16 designated scenic rivers in Ohio is still underway, and the Maumee River remains on her list! We’re looking forward to cheering Amy on when she returns and hope to collaborate with her again soon!
Want to Join the CWAT Team?
If you missed the training but still want to be part of the 2025 CWAT sampling season, there’s still time! We’re happy to schedule a one-on-one training session for new volunteers or returning participants who need a refresher. Just reach out to [email protected].
We’re especially in need of volunteers to cover Routes 4, 5, and 8, as it’s essential that all sampling sites are monitored to ensure the most accurate and complete data possible.
