Event information: LeTort monitoring, June 11, Carlisle, PA
Throughout the entire year, ALLARM monitors the LeTort Spring Run, a 9-mile limestone fed stream. The LeTort is central to Carlisle and the ALLARM experience. On June 11 we went LeTort monitoring and it felt like a completely new stream. The water flowed smoothly like a lazy river and the fishermen (licensed) were patiently perched on the green banks. LeTort monitoring in the summer is relaxing because during this time of year we can step into the LeTort to rinse our sample bottles and feel the 65-degree water on our ankles. Every time I monitor, I look forward to measuring conductivity because while the meter reading stabilizes my eyes search the stream bed for benthic macros and growing trout. Each site is a new adventure and the stream looks beautiful. Often times a citizen of Carlisle walking by pauses to ask us what our collecting pole or bucket of supplies are for. Some say, “What science are you doing?” I love these spontaneous moments when we launch into a conversation about the importance of citizen science and the value of data collected by volunteers. ALLARM has been monitoring the LeTort for about 25 years and I have formed a friendship with the beautiful LeTort Spring Run.
Recording LeTort water quality data