8.3. Maintaining a Relationship with Professionals The habitat professionals you will be working with are committed to the Adopt-A-Stream program. However, Adopt-A-Stream may only be one of their projects. You will find that they are busy people. Here are some guidelines for maintaining a relationship that is convenient to everyone: - Call ahead and give lots of warning about when you need to meet. Don't expect people to be available at the "drop of a hat". - If you reach an answering machine, voice mail system, or secretary leave a precise message identifying yourself and the reason for your call. If you state the reason, professionals may be able to find the information you need before returning your call. Don't be shy about using answering machines and voice mail systems. - Be organized. If you want a professional to visit a site with you, visit the site first yourself. Be prepared and write out a list of questions. Mark the area you want to visit on a topographical map, your hand-drawn map or by leaving flagging tape or brightly covered ribbon tied around a tree. - Make sure you are also using other sources of expertise in your own community before calling for help. Libraries, service clubs, schools, senior's clubs are only a few of the many organizations that may be able to answer some of your questions. Don't discount the wisdom and experience of non-professionals. - At the end of a meeting with a professional, plan when you will get together next. Always end your meetings with a plan of action (When is the next meeting? What is the next task?) - Don't expect instant answers and ready-made solutions. Habitat Biologists are always learning new things about ecosystems. Remember that each watercourse is unique and much of the rehabilitation and enhancement work must be planned by analyzing individual situations. This takes time, no matter how thorough your survey has been. - It is best if only one main person (Project manager, Leader, or Chairperson) is the main contact with any professional or government official. It can be confusing for the professional to deal with many different names on each project.