Citizen volunteers attend one or more AWW workshops to become certified monitors of water quality. In the workshops, participants learn simple techniques for measuring various chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water, such as dissolved oxygen and bacterial concentrations (Deutsch et al. 1998a). All monitors attend an annual refresher course to maintain good sampling techniques and replenish their test kits with fresh chemical reagents.

LWLM is active in environmental education and has trained students in various aspects of water momitoring and watershed protection through programs at Camp ASCCA (Alabama Special Camp for Children and Adults), Boys and Girls Clubs, Scouts, local high schools, and Central Alabama Community College.

LWLM exemplifies the slogan, "Think Globally, Act Locally". In partnership with international programs of Auburn University (AU), the group has hosted environmental specialists on study tours from the Philippines, Ecuador, Cape Verde, Panama, Honduras, Burkina Faso and Senegal. In September 1999, LWLM President Dick Bronson, traveled with AU/AWW personnel to the Philippines to conduct watershed protection workshops for representatives of 12 countries, including China, Mexico, Zambia and Poland.

In addition to water quality sampling, several of the AWW monitors on Lake Martin are active in educational outreach and advocacy for greater awareness of lake issues. Center letter at left is from Hope Middleton, an Elmore County 6th grader, who won 1st prize in her school and county fair science project using water quality techniques taught by LWLM.