Student Chapter Spotlight: Bobcat Stream Team
Student Chapter Spotlight: Bobcat Stream Team
Founded in 2016, the Bobcat Stream Team (BST) is a student chapter of Texas Stream Team located on the Texas State University campus. It started with the vision of connecting Texas State University with Texas Stream Team to give students an outlet to help protect and maintain the health of Texas waterways, including those in the Texas State University and San Marcos community.
We chatted with Desiree Jackson, President of BST and Texas State Geography student, to hear her perspective and thoughts about student involvement in Texas Stream Team.
Q: Why did you join Bobcat Stream Team?
I joined Bobcat Stream Team because it is an organization that gives students the opportunity to conduct field work and collect data that is being used by programs such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Texas Stream Team. I wanted to do real work in the world of water and Bobcat Stream Team was the outlet.
Q: What is do you enjoy most about Bobcat Stream Team?
Bobcat Stream Team brings together students from a variety of backgrounds and majors to participate in events such as river cleanups and water quality monitoring. I enjoy working with such a diverse group in something we are all passionate about.
Q: Do you think it’s important for students to be involved in and volunteer with environmental focused organizations, like Bobcat Stream Team? Why?
Working with environmental focused organizations gives students the opportunity to give back to their community and environment, which is the best feeling in the world! These types of organizations also have resources to boost student resumes and experience in their career path.
Q: How has Bobcat Stream Team impacted you (daily life, career goals, etc.)?
Bobcat Stream Team has proven to me that there are many allies in the environmental movement and this fact has given me hope and excitement for the future. The organization has opened my eyes to water quality issues going on in my community, country, and the globe. I have been trained and certified as a water quality monitor and feel that the work I do is valuable and important. The organization has helped me realize that protecting the environment for future generations is my career goal and that I can make sustainable choices in my daily life to create a change.
Q: What advice do you have for students who are interested in joining Texas Stream Team?
I advise students to get involved with Bobcat Stream Team, the student chapter of Texas Stream Team, in order to become Core trained and certified. Becoming certified is the first step in joining the statewide network of volunteers protecting Texas waterways. Students can also earn more certifications through Texas Stream Team.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Bobcat Stream Team?
I wish other people knew how valuable the data we collect is, and that it is being used for waterway protection. People often wonder how they can get involved in protecting the environment, wanting to do concrete work and know they are making a difference. Bobcat Stream Team/ Texas Stream Team gives people the opportunity to do this. The best part is that you are not alone and have so many wonderful people across the state of Texas participating in water quality monitoring.
Want to start a student chapter of Texas Stream Team on your campus?
We appreciate the opportunity to engage with students across the state and are eager to assist student leaders with incorporating Texas Stream Team resources into their own campus community. To get started, check out A Guide to Creating a Texas Stream Team Student Chapter for guidance on the creation, management and growth of your own student chapter.