The Red River Basin River Watch Monitoring Program, or River Watch, began in Minnesota in 1995.  The watershed-wide program provides hands-on science opportunities for students, teachers, and citizens in Minnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba.  The program provides leadership experiences for students, promotes community understanding of the importance of watersheds, and contributes to a greater understanding of baseline water quality in the Red River Basin.  Water sampling is done on a regular basis; usually once a month throughout the open water season.  In Manitoba, the program is delivered by the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, and locally by the South Central Eco Institute.