Friday, Oct. 9th, was Snapshot Day for the Carson River! River Wranglers, a local 501(c)3 environmental nonprofit, held multiple events throughout the Carson River watershed bringing students to the river to take a “snapshot” of the quality of the river.

With four event locations in Carson City, two downstream in Fallon and Fort Churchill, and one at the headwaters in Alpine County, California, Snapshot Day was able to reach almost 300 students this year alone.

Additionally, there were multiple locations where water quality was tested without students, to better understand the current health of the entire river from the headwaters to the Carson Sink. In all, 11 sites were tested along the length of the Carson River!

All of the data collected on Snapshot Day is kept by River Wranglers and their various partners to use to educate and plan upcoming projects on the Carson River. Students learn about and check water quality parameters as well as perform a streamwalk assessment, which evaluates our riparian corridor health and focuses on things such as erosion, nonpoint source pollution, and native plant presence. The information gathered can help determine where recovery efforts should take place in coming years and to ensure our river stays within a healthy range for recreation.

River Wranglers could not have seen such a successful Snapshot Day if it weren’t for the time and dedication of our partners from Carson City Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, Carson Water Subconservancy District, Lahontan Valley Conservation District, UNR Extension, Carson City Public Works, Resource Concepts, Inc., Dayton Valley Conservation District, Douglas County Master Gardeners, community volunteers, and all of the amazing teachers and chaperones that accompanied the students to various sites. Thank you all and we look forward to an amazing Snapshot Day in 2027!

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