SBCK Stream Team

Santa Barbara Channel Keeper (SBCK) Stream Team: Join Surfrider and SBCK as we visit stations throughout the Ventura River watershed, collect water samples, and do some hands-on field analysis. Ventura Stream Team sampling events take place quarterly, usually on the first Saturday of the corresponding month, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Pizza and soft drinks are served afterwards. We meet at the corner of Julian St. and West Main Street in Ventura (approximately 239 West Main St., for Google Maps).

Stream Team volunteers use portable meters to test in-stream parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and conductivity. In addition, samples are collected that are later analyzed in the laboratory for bacteria and nutrients. Visual observations such as weather conditions, algae coverage, water clarity, odors, and trash are also recorded on standardized datasheets.

Stream Team data is used by government agencies, environmental organizations, and other watershed stakeholders to help protect the watershed and the species that depend on it.
The goals of SBCK’s Stream Team Program are to collect and disseminate data to measure the health of local streams; identify and abate specific sources of pollution to these streams; measure trends or changes resulting from pollution prevention efforts; and foster environmental stewardship in our community by providing a rewarding outdoor volunteer opportunity for local citizens. Our ultimate goal is cleaner, healthier water and a more environmentally responsible citizenry that is actively engaged in addressing the pollution problems plaguing our waterways.

New volunteers are always welcome and training will be provided. We do not recommend this activity for children under the age of 6. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 should be accompanied by a guardian. If you would like to attend, please RSVP via email to ben@sbck.org or call SBCK at (805) 563-3377 ext.5.