The Utah Department of Outdoor Recreation, in partnership with USU Water Quality Extension and the Stokes Nature Center, hosted the Cache Valley Summit Meetup on the Logan River over the weekend.
The event brought together outdoor professionals, students and volunteers for riparian science activities led by USU Water Quality Extension Assistant Professor Hope Braithwaite.
“So we’re in the Logan River watershed. Does anyone know what a watershed is?” Braithwaite asked.
Rainfall in the canyon flows into the Logan River, which flows into the Bear River, which flows into the Great Salt Lake.
“That’s kind of interesting…what we do here…is actually going to impact the quality of the water that goes into the Great Salt Lake,” Braithwaite said.
To demonstrate how scientists assess water quality, Braithwaite provided data sheets, thermometers, and several test kits. Participants collected water from a river and used tools to measure and record nitrate levels, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, temperature, and turbidity.
Based on the measurements collected, the water was considered healthy for aquatic life.
“So Becca and I went out early this morning to collect some of the cool animals that live in the Logan River,” Braithwaite said.
A nearby picnic table had a plastic tub filled with river water, along with a magnifying glass, Petri dish, and a laminated identification key. Volunteers helped participants identify stonefly larvae, water mites, and other aquatic invertebrates found in the Logan River.
India Nielsen-Bahhus, Utah Department of Outdoor Recreation deputy director of operations, said this is the first Saturday event in the Summit Meetup Series.
“Everyone in the outdoor industry is saying, ‘I’m tired of Zoom calls’…see you on the trail next time,” Barfuss said.
Barfuss said future events will be held across the state.