Blue Thumb Volunteer Spotlight – Sara & John Harrington

What inspired you to get involved with Blue Thumb?

For John, it was so long ago he really has to dig deep to find that memory. He had been dealing with groundwater but wanted to learn more about surface water and this was a great opportunity for that experiential data.

For Sara, John inspired her as she wanted to share in the interests that her (at the time, soon-to-be) husband enjoys.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Blue Thumb?

For Sara, it’s free breakfast before sampling (just kidding), but spending time collecting and evaluating data, along with sharing our mission with those who as “What is sampling the creek?”

For John, it’s the camaraderie not only with the 3 of us who sample Spring Creek I-35, but with the Blue Thumb volunteers as a whole.

How long have you been with the program?

For John, 29 years. For Sara, 6 years.

Is there a memorable moment or lesson from your time with Blue Thumb that stands out?

For Sara, it’s the time we walked the 1/4 mile of the creek for fish collection, taking measurements, photos and learning where the “big holes” are in the creek.

For John, it’s the time Sara got slapped in the face by the sunfish, screamed like a girl, and made everyone laugh… he still laughs to this day it was so hysterical!

And we couldn’t do sampling without Gretchen — She keeps us on our toes, on track, and is a true citizen scientist hidden under the I-35 bridge.

Blue Thumb Volunteer | Sara & John Harrington