[RESCHEDULED] 2026 Winter Salt Week Sampling at Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

The Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT) and the TTF Watershed Partnership are hosting a  “Salt Blitz” in partnership with the Stroud Water Research Center to capture a snapshot of chloride levels in our local streams following winter road salting.

Volunteers, staff, and students will collect water samples, which will be analyzed for conductivity and chloride. The results will be added to the regional map: https://swrc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6de8e168d1674679a316533dd58a7abe

Sampling Date: Target date: March 6
If you cannot sample that day, please collect your sample before March 6, but as close to that date as possible. We want to get as many samples on the same day as possible so please aim for March 6^th.

Where to Sample

TTF has about 10-15 pre-selected sites you are more than welcome to sample. Please let me know if you are interested in helping out.

Please confirm your site with Kevin or Ryan before sampling. Choose locations that are safe and legally accessible. Do not enter private property without permission.

You may:

• Select a site near your school, home, or a location you’re curious about, or
• Work with us to choose a pre-selected site (Streamkeepers may use their regular monitoring locations).

Map of priority tributary areas:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1xbYX5LyFJCkC2h1shRDftEqby8AnHjE&usp=sharing

*We strongly recommend visiting your site in advance to confirm safe and legal access and to identify the best sampling spot.

Sample Collection:

If you are choosing your own site:

1. Download and print the Salt Snapshot data sheet attached to this email.
   (PERT/TTF will complete the conductivity and chloride fields).
2. At the site, record the exact location by dropping a pin on your phone.
3. Rinse your container with stream water three times, then collect about 2 cups of water.
4. Seal tightly and label the bottle with:
   • site name/location
   • date & time
   • sampler name(s)
5. Complete the data sheet.
6. Bring your sample(s) and data sheet to PERT on March 6, 2:00–6:00 PM
   BLBB Classroom (rear of the main office building).

If you are assigned a pre-selected site:

1. Rinse the container three times and collect about 2 cups of water.
2. Label the bottle with site name/location, date, time, and sampler name(s).
3. At the site, record the exact location by dropping a pin on your phone.
4. Drop off at PERT on March 6, 2:00–6:00 PM (BLBB Classroom).

What You’ll Need

• A sealable plastic, glass, or metal container
  (Contact us to pick up a bottle in advance if needed. We have plenty.)
• Masking/painter’s tape and a marker for labeling
• Proper gear for winter stream sampling (waterproof boots, warm layers, etc.)

How to collect a sample:
https://youtu.be/pRW6je9D6g8?si=PTcHWI3TNkGXr-9t

Safety

Winter stream conditions can be hazardous.
Please sample with a partner or tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Get Involved

If you’d like to participate, contact me or Ryan Neuman, ryan@ttfwatershed.org to:

• Confirm your site, and
• Arrange bottle pickup (if needed).

Thank you for helping us understand how road salt is affecting our streams.