Outstanding in your Field…Science!
The 28th Annual River Watch Forum was held on March 1st, 2023 the the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND. River Watch Alumni Andy Ulven began the day with his experience in River Watch, how it shaped him into becoming part of IWI staff, and how it led him to his current position as the Water Quality Planning Bureau Chief for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
For this year’s project, teams were asked to analyze and report on data collected from sampling sites in the subwatershed. At the Forum, they presented their findings in front of a live judging panel!
Three breakout sessions included Hands-on Demonstrations in Field Sciences, Poster Viewing and Judging, and River Art!
1
Demonstrations in Field Science

Students were able to check out stations led by local experts in field science. Stations included: a virtual sand table from UND; mammal furs, skulls, and track imprints from UMC; forestry equipment from the ND Forest Service; and flow equipment from the hydrology department at the MN DNR.
2
Poster Viewing and Judging

A live judging room where students present posters to a panel of judges and judge other schools’ posters.
3
River Art

Students used pieces of recycled maganize scraps to create a river scene mosaic on eight canvases. All canvases were put together for form one large river scene created by all students!