Each year, the Ausable River Association (AsRA) hires a river steward to help care for the river and its watershed. So, where can you find the river steward, Krista, this summer?
Near the water
Krista will be on the river and beyond, promoting AsRA's work at events, working with the community for educational opportunities, and much more. The river steward's main duty is to care for the Ausable River. Krista spent most of her time in May and June maintaining wader wash stations, looking for invasive species in and around the Ausable, surveying anglers about fishing practices that can impact the health of the river, and picking up plenty of road- and river- side garbage.
Krista's partner, Charlie, enjoys fishing at Whiteface while she surveys anglers.
At events
Krista represented AsRA at several events, including: the Two Fly Tournament, the Great Adirondack Trail Run, and Ride for the River—an event directly supporting AsRA's work. You might see her at the Keene Valley Farmers Market this month and the Saranac Lake market in August.
Krista taught event-goers about milfoil and other aquatic plants at the Mayor's Cup.
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Around the watershed
Krista worked with AsRA and the Adirondack Mountain Club to host a teen program that included a paddling cleanup and a fish and macroinvertebrate investigation adventure. You'll find her co-leading a couple of guided paddling tours on Lake Everest throughout the summer to help continue AsRA's educational programs. During Adirondack Water Week in the beginning of August, Krista will lead volunteers on a purple loosestrife pull in the Ausable Marsh.
In between all of this, Krista is helping the Ausable River Association with stream water quality monitoring and Stream Wise surveys to support healthy waters and stream stewardship throughout the area. And she'll always be on the lookout for invasive species along the Ausable River.
Krista's dogs Mr. Ry (left) and Bubba (right) join her along the Flume Trails.
So keep your eyes peeled for Krista all over the watershed this summer! She'll be happy to say hi, and maybe ask you about your fishing gear.
Story by Krista, River Steward.
