The health of Martins Creek is in good hands thanks to its local primary school students.
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Martins Creek Public School last week revived their Streamwatch program and now plans to monitor the creek monthly.
Jane Lloyd-Jones of Hunter Local Land Services’ "Waterwatch" program visited the students to train them in water testing and identifying water life.
Measures of pH, salinity, temperature and turbidity are all recorded.
Then the fun with bug sampling begins.
"We are pleased to report a clean bill of health for the water quality,”said science teacher Helen Rubeli.
“The number of freshwater invertebrates was a little low but some indicators of a good quality environment were found - such as mayfly nymphs."
The budding scientists thoroughly enjoyed water studies and are keen for more.
"It was really good because we got to see small creatures like the water boatmen close up, and we learned about our rivers,” said one student.
As a follow up, the students have made papier-mâché sculptures of the waterlife in Paterson catchment.
These will be on display at Paterson CWA during the catchment event on Sunday, June 24.
The children have also been studying the river from a historical perspective including its significance to Aboriginal culture and settler histories.
"This regular river study will complement our range of environmental projects throughout the year including the vegetable garden, habitat studies and excursions,” teaching Principal Ann Tucker.
“Being a small school, the students all get the chance to do rich, "hands on" learning every day.”
To find out more about improving the health of our local catchments visit
