The Longhorn Stream Team is a group of University of Texas community members whose purpose is to train and teach citizen scientists to paddle Texas rivers, collect water quality data, and promote conservation to ensure the longevity of Texas waterways. Our mission is to empower students through acts of science, service, and environmental leadership and drive informed conversations surrounding the importance of water quality in universities and Texas watershed communities.
Science
The Longhorn Stream Team hopes to promote conservation and raise awareness about the health of Texas waterways using science both on and off the river. First, the group is committed to taking water quality field data while on the trip and second, we hope to share, use, and spread the information acquired from this data to the University and local community. To do this we use water quality monitors to test the conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH balance of the rivers we paddle. Our goal with the funds raised is to purchase a new monitor that will allow us to record higher quality data. The new technology will not only be more accurate but also allow us to collect more information to provide the Meadows Center in San Marcos.
Service
The team’s purpose for leading service projects is to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for the underserved children of our community, raise awareness about the environmental issues impacting Austin, and develop strong bonds within our community. Members of the LST, joined by UT RecSports lifeguards and members of the UT Orange Jackets, organized and implemented canoeing trips on Town Lake for the girls of The Settlement Home. On this trip, the girls are introduced to the concepts of conservation focusing on the water quality data the team regularly collects. The team, along with many members of the community, also takes part in invasive plant species removal along the San Marcos River and other locations.
Environmental Leadership
Longhorn Stream Team defines leadership as including both personal and group initiative to our mission and to ongoing projects. With multiple trips each semester, including at least one extended trip, members of the team have many opportunities to plan for a trip and lead the way down the river. Additionally, the team plans and organizes many projects centered on science, service, and conservation.
Congratulations Longhorn Stream Team on winning The BOSS Challenge!
