Community Science at NWA
What Is Community Science?
Community science (sometimes called "citizen science") is a collaborative approach to scientific research that actively involves volunteers from the community. By participating in hands-on data collection and observation, community members help scientists and environmental organizations gather information that would otherwise be difficult to obtain at a meaningful scale.
At the Neshaminy Watershed Association (NWA), community science allows residents to play a direct role in protecting local waterways. Volunteers help collect important environmental data, increase awareness of watershed health, and support science-based decisions that benefit the entire community.
Our Focus Areas
Salt Watch & Road Salt Monitoring
Winter road salt is a growing threat to freshwater streams. Excess salt runoff can harm aquatic life, degrade drinking water sources, and permanently alter stream ecosystems.
Through our Salt Watch and salt monitoring efforts, community volunteers help track salt levels in local waterways during winter and early spring. Using simple, standardized testing methods, participants collect data that helps us:
- Identify areas with elevated salt concentrations
- Understand long-term trends in stream salinity
- Share data with regional partners, researchers, and decision-makers
- Advocate for smarter salt use and watershed protection
This information helps raise awareness about the impacts of road salt and supports more sustainable winter maintenance practices.
Macroinvertebrate Monitoring
Macroinvertebrates—such as mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies—are small aquatic organisms that live in stream beds. Because different species have different tolerances to pollution, their presence (or absence) is one of the most reliable indicators of stream health.
NWA's macroinvertebrate monitoring program trains volunteers to sample streams and identify key indicator species. This work helps us:
- Assess overall stream health and water quality
- Detect changes over time
- Identify areas that may need restoration or protection
- Build a long-term record of biological conditions in the watershed
This hands-on monitoring connects people directly to the living systems within their local streams.
What We're Doing With the Data
The data collected by community science volunteers is carefully reviewed and used to:
- Establish baseline conditions for Neshaminy Creek and its tributaries
- Track changes in water quality and ecosystem health over time
- Support grant applications and conservation initiatives
- Inform restoration priorities and public education efforts
- Share findings with partner organizations, municipalities, and the public
Community science strengthens our ability to protect the watershed using real, locally collected evidence.
Studies & Results
Over time, NWA has used community-collected data to identify patterns related to seasonal salt impacts and biological stream health across the watershed. These findings help highlight both areas of concern and locations where conservation efforts are making a positive difference.
For those interested in more detail, we provide access to summaries, reports, and supporting documents:
Salt Monitoring Reports
- Salt in the Neshaminy (1 page summary) PDF
- Tracking Road Salt Impacts in the Neshaminy Watershed (4 page report) PDF
Macroinvertebrate Survey Results
Detailed macroinvertebrate survey results will be available here soon.
Watershed Health Assessments
Comprehensive watershed health assessments will be available here soon.
Get Involved
You don't need a science background to participate—just curiosity and a desire to help protect local waterways. NWA provides training, guidance, and support for all volunteers.
If you're interested in getting involved with community science efforts:
- Participate in seasonal monitoring events
- Learn how to collect and understand environmental data
- Make a tangible impact on watershed protection
Together, we can protect Neshaminy Creek—one data point at a time.