VA SOS Equipment List
These items are considered necessary equipment for current VA SOS monitors.
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION | WHERE TO BUY | COST (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Table | Portable: roll-up or folding style; 32” L x 32” W x 28” H | Amazon | $60 |
| White table cover | Plastic or water resistant for easy clean-up | Amazon | $5 |
| Rocky Bottom Net | 3×3 foot Kick-seine with 1/32 inch mesh. Student Grade is fine | Forestry Suppliers has a Student Grade Kick Net or Download DIY Instructions. | $55 |
| Net poles (2) | Wood dowels; 1 1/4” x 48” | Hardware store | $4 each |
| Muddy Bottom Net | 500 to 650 micron D-net *Only for monitors certified in muddy bottom protocol* | Field and forestry equipment supplier; the LaMotte D Net can be found at Forestry Suppliers | $115 |
| Muddy Bottom Bucket | Wash or sieve bucket *Only for monitors certified in muddy bottom protocol* | Field and forestry equipment supplier; Forestry Suppliers; Download DIY Instructions | $130 |
| Kit carrying bag | Plastic bin or canvas bag | General merchandise store, Amazon | $15 |
| Clipboard | General merchandise store, Amazon | $2 | |
| Pencils (2) | General merchandise store, Amazon | $2 | |
| Aquatic thermometer | Celsius | Forestry Suppliers | $30 |
| Ice cube trays (2) | White, opaque (easiest to see bugs) | Amazon | $10 |
| Petri dish | Clear | Forestry Suppliers | $4 |
| Spray bottle | 12-16 fl. oz. size | Amazon | $5 |
| Entomology Tweezers | Flexible metal or plastic | Forestry Suppliers: Individual or Forestry Suppliers: Set (5) or Carolina Biological Supply (Featherweight Entomological) | $3 - $17 |
| Hand magnifier | 3x and 6x plastic magnifier with a 1-inch diameter lens. | Field or medical supplier, Amazon. | $5 |
| Dichotomous Key | Guide to Aquatic Insects and Crustaceans | By Izaak Walton League of America. Available on Amazon or by request at vasos@iwla.org. | $11 |
| Laminated Field Guide Trifold | A Volunteer Monitor's Field Guide to Aquatic Macroinvertebrates | By Izaak Walton League of America. Available at Acorn Naturalists or by request at vasos@iwla.org. | $8 |
| Boot-footed or Rubber-soled Waders. No Felt Bottoms. | Knee, hip, or chest waders as appropriate. No felt bottoms. | Sporting goods store | Price Varies - Up to $100 reimbursable if funds allow |
| Sanitizing supplies | Hand sanitizer, wipes | Pharmacy, Amazon | $15 |
| Equipment Cleaner | Biodegradable soap to use between sites (if no time to dry between sampling) | Amazon (Campsuds) or Amazon (Alconox) or Dawn Dish Soap | Price Varies |
| First Aid Kit | Bandaids, disinfectant, consider Tecnu or IvyX for poison ivy | Pharmacy or Grocery Store, Amazon | $15 |
Optional Gear
| Reference book | Voshell: A Guide to Freshwater Invertebrates of North America | Amazon | $50 - $75 |
| Field Microscope | Brock Magiscope | Brock Optical | $340 |
| Neoprene gloves | Hand, elbow, or shoulder length | General merchandise store, Amazon (shoulder length) | $10 |
Virginia SOS Equipment Reimbursement
Please Note: Equipment reimbursement is currently only available for Virginia monitors.
VA SOS has limited funding to reimburse certified monitors for equipment costs. To get reimbursed for items, monitors must first submit a request to vasos@iwla.org with the requested items and estimated cost. Only once the VA SOS Coordinator has approved the list and expenses should you purchase your items. Funding is dispersed on a first come first serve basis. Contact the VA SOS Coordinator to find out more: vasos@iwla.org.