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.

Come join us for our monthly meeting. Catch up on events, learn about opportunities, and chat with members and volunteers!

Meet on the beach promenade at the end of California Street.

For all beach cleanups, please wear comfortable clothes, closed toed shoes and sunscreen. All volunteers are welcome to participate and must sign a liability waiver, but volunteers under 18 MUST have a parent or guardian present at the beginning of the cleanup to sign a liability waiver before the minor can participate. Pre-registration is NOT required unless your group is larger than 25 people (if it is, then email beachcleanups@ventura.surfrider.org ) We will provide all supplies, but volunteers are always welcome to bring their own work gloves, trash bag/bucket, and/or reusable water bottle to reduce waste. Please be prepared to fill out a data card of all the trash you pick up—we need this information to help find the sources of trash on our beaches!! Thank you for your interest in helping keep our beaches clean.