Throughout the summer urban pollutants like bacteria, nutrients, and metals are deposited along urban surfaces. It is not until the first significant storm of the season, the “First Flush,” that these pollutants get mobilized and make their way to nearby waterways and to the Monterey Bay. Every year, at the first rains begin, CWC studies the pollutants that are mobilized, and we couldn’t do it without our rocking First Flush volunteers. Become a First Flush volunteer, learn monitoring skills and have a chance to explore storm drains and urban waterways of Capitola. We’ll train you and other citizen scientists to take basic field measurements like pH, temperature and conductivity, collect samples and field observations. When the big storm hits, you and your team will mobilize, and take on any potential urban pollutants as lean mean citizen science machines. Training will be held on Wednesday, August 24th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and on Sat., August 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

To join the First Flush crew or to learn more, contact River Scientist, Alev Bilginsoy at abilginsoy@coastal-watershed.orgor call (831) 464 9200.