CRWA personnel train XCC crew members how to conduct habitat assessments, and the proper methods to conduct benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and how to identify the insects collected.  Following the training, XCC members conduct habitat assessments and collect macroinvertebrates at streams within the Charles River watershed and then identify the insects collected in order to assess water quality in each of the Charles River tributaries sampled. Also, CRWA staff members train XCC crew members on the harmful impact stormwater run-off has on local waterways and how green infrastructure is used to reduce the amount of stormwater run-off that flows into the waterways.  Following the training, XCC crew members get further training with CRWA and Horsley Witten staff members outdoors at a green infrastructure installation and complete maintenance of the green infrastructure installation.

Neponset River Watershed Association collaborates with X-Cel Conservation Corps to implement a project to test water quality monthly in five bodies of water located in the Neponset River Watershed.  NRWA staff members train XCC crew members in how to properly collect water samples, and measure the temperature, clarity, odor and amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Afterwards, XCC crew members test the collected water samples at NepRWA’s lab to determine the pH levels and for the presence of e-Coli bacteria and record the data.

X-Cel Conservation Corps partners with Horsley Witten Group to train on green infrastructure, tour the wastewater treatment plant at Pine Hills in Plymouth, and to learn about collecting ground water samples to determine ground water quality. Horsley Witten Group staff members volunteer their time to provide hands-on education outdoors at a green infrastructure installation and then guide XCC crew members to perform green infrastructure maintenance.

Connecticut River Conservancy staff partner with X-Cel Conservation Corps to train our crew members on how to collect water samples and test the water samples for multiple parameters.  We travel to five different rivers that are part of the Connecticut River watershed and crew members learn how to test and measure the temperature, pH and conductivity of the water samples.  They also collect water samples to bring back to lab to be tested for nitrogen and e-Coli.

The Blackstone River Coalition

The Blackstone River Coalition staff collaborate with XCC to bring our crew members to various streams which are part of the Blackstone River watershed and train them how to correctly collect samples of stream water without contaminating the samples.  Then they bring the crew members back to their laboratory and train them in how to measure dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, and nitrogen levels and for the presence of e-Coli bacteria.

OARS Three Rivers staff train XCC  crew members on how to conduct culvert assessments.  This is important work to manage stormwater and ensure wildlife is able to safely migrate under roadways. This work also provides effective workforce development skills as our crew members have to work together in teams to accurately take measurements, record data and make assessments of stream water flow and culvert quality.