Conducting a Stream Visual Survey and a Stream Habitat Survey requires using your senses to fully observe what is happening in a body of water.

Download and print the Stream Visual Survey and Stream Habitat Survey Forms. Follow the protocol described on all three pages. Compare what you see to the ideal conditions described and pictured on the form.

Make a graph of your data. List the parameters (characteristics you assessed) along the horizontal x axis. List the scores for each item (0 - 10) on the vertical y axis. Look for any trends and patterns.  In what categories does your stream score the lowest? Why might that be? Overall, is your stream healthy or not?