Lesson 5 - Chemical Properties of a River

In this lesson we will explore the chemical properties of the water in our creeks, rivers, and watersheds, and how these might be influenced one way or the other by geology and by human activities.
In this short video, Know Your Watershed Educator Bill Coedy looks at two different creeks near Trail to discuss how chemical properties of a creek might differ.

Then click on the lesson plan, which will lead you through a short activity to help you better understand one of the key chemical properties that can affect water quality, pH, and how it can affect aquatic life and water quality.

Lesson 5: Chemical Properties of a River


Education news

A river monitoring study in BC's Flathead watershed is giving researchers an inside look into how natural and human-impacted landscapes change over time.Read more 

Where hope takes root

September 21, 2026
Is it just me, or did we all breathe a collective sigh of relief when the leaves started to turn? The promise of fall brings cooler temperatures, shorter days and…Read more 
Are you passionate about teaching ecological literacy, nature connection, sustainability and environmental stewardship? Wildsight is seeking an educator to join our team and deliver the following programs: Winter Wonder, Classroom…Read more 
We stand on Coyote Plateau, high above the Rocky Mountain Trench. Our group of 12 teens from across the Columbia Basin survey the same sweeping landscape that has captivated people…Read more 
Once upon a time, a wildfire whipped through a forest. Flames ate ferociously through the land as animals dashed away in fear.Read more 
Last month, Wildsight's Graeme Lee Rowlands was recognized for his outstanding work in the field of environmental education with an Award of Excellence from the Columbia Basin Environmental Education…Read more 
Read more news

Join The Team

Want to protect wildlife, clean water and wild spaces? Volunteer with us! Wildsight volunteers are a very special group of people who give generously of their time to stuff envelopes, attend rallies, help run events, put up posters, keep tabs on forestry practices in their communities and participate in citizen science initiatives.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES