A Day in the Skunk River Navy

What to expect on a typical SRN day:	A wide range of temperatures from in the 50's to in the 80's
	It may rain (we will not go on expeditions in heavy rain or storms, but we have gone out during light rain/sprinkles).
	You will get wet! You are expected to wade in the water, often times up to your chest!
	It will be hard work, the trash we are picking up does not just consist of pop cans and bottles, often times we are pulling out heavy farm machinery, tractor tires and even porta-potties! When the canoes are loaded down with trash, they become extremely heavy and it takes a lot of work to pull them through shallow parts of the river.
	Team work is necessary, you are often working in groups to do IOWATER assessments and to pull or dig out heavy items from the water. Everyone needs to work together so you will get to know many new people.
	You are provided with lunch (Subway sandwiches) and transportation as well as cookies at the end of the day.
	An average expedition lasts from 9 am to 3-5 pm, depending on the site and the day.
	You will have fun!
What to bring on an SRN expedition:	You will definitely want to wear a solid shoe. We will be walking in water all day long and walking over rocks and gravel. Sandals are not recommended because they do not protect your feet. Old tennis shoes work best (remember, they will get muddy and wet!)
	Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. If it is cold, a stocking hat is nice to keep you warm while walking in the cold water. Wear layers if it is cold, you can always take something off and set it in a canoe. Nothing is more miserable than being cold and wet!
	Wear clothing that you do not mind getting wet and dirty.
	If it is sunny, wear and bring sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water and it is easy to burn your face. A brimmed hat is also recommended.
	Bring your own water bottle to use throughout the day and for lunch.
	A pocket knife is sometimes helpful, but not required.
	You may want to bring leather gloves. Gloves are provided by SRN, but they are not in the best condition.
	A change of dry socks and shoes and even clothes is nice for when we get out of the river, especially on colder days (these can be left in the vans during the day).

 

	The day begins bright and early at 9 am in Bessey Hall, room 112. We discuss the activities for the day and go over the Navy protocol for IOWATER and trash-cleanup.
	Everyone loads into ISU vans for transportation to the clean-up site.
	Once at the river, we divide into IOWATER assessment groups. Each group is given a different water quality test to perform.
	This group is determining the dissolved oxygen content with Dr. Colbert's guidance.
	The groups split up and search for macroinvertebrates: stonefly larvae, dragonfly larvae, pouch snails etc.
	The groups get together and share what they have found. Data gets sent to the IOWATER database.
	Next, we get the canoes and the gear and head out to find some trash. Note: the canoes are not used for riding in, they are used to haul trash!
	Trash is everywhere! And it isn't just pop cans and bottles, most of the trash we haul out is quite large and heavy.
	The large amounts of trash are piled into the canoes and pulled down the river.
	A much-needed break for lunch! SRN provides Subway sandwiches and oreos.
	At the end of the day, all of the trash needs to removed from the canoes and piled on-shore using stretchers.
	The canoes are put back on the trailer and we head to Dr. Colbert's house.
	At the end of the day, we gather at Dr. Colbert's house and wash out the canoes and eat cookies and hot chocolate or lemonade, courtesy of "the cookie lady", Mrs. Colbert!

You will get dropped off, wet and dirty, at Bessey Hall, or a dorm of your choice when the day is over.

It is a hard day of work, but you will have fun, and it is a rewarding experience!