The Illinois RiverWatch Network is a statewide, non-profit, volunteer stream monitoring program. Volunteers are trained and certified as “Citizen Scientists” to monitor and protect a local stream. Upon completing training and becoming certified, volunteers adopt a stream site and examine indicators of water quality like stream habitat and the diversity of species such as dragonfly nymphs, beetle larva, midges, and snails. Citizen Scientists play an important role in helping identify potentially degraded waters and areas that may need better protection.