This data resource characterizes non-perennial stream sites and other metadata for microbial samples collected as part of the NSF-funded project AIMS (Aquatic Intermittency Effects on Microbiomes in Streams), including Approach 2 ('seasonal sampling') and Approach 3 (spatially intense synoptic sampling) for three non-perennial stream systems in Alabama, starting in January 2022 and ending in February 2024. Characterization of sampling sites follow the AIMS Microbial Field Sampling SOP (Zeglin & Busch, 2024). Data collected includes whether the sampling crew observed surface water in the stream channel at the time of sampling ('WetDry'), the identities of leaves collected for leaf litter sampling, a visual estimation of benthic sediment texture, a visual estimation of habitat coverage (percent of surface area covered by rocks, sediment, or leaf litter), percent canopy coverer (estimated via densiometer), and the wetted width of the stream at each sampling location where possible. Some measurements are missing from sites due to logistical/human errors, and are recorded as NAs. Wetted width could only be collected when surface water was present, so NAs associated with dry sites are flagged ('WW_flag' variable) for convenience.

Talladega Site Description:
Talladega (stream code=TAL) research watershed (outlet location: 33.76219799, -85.59550775) in the Talladega National Forest (Cleburne County, AL, USA). The watershed drains a non-perennial unnamed tributary of Pendergrass Creek, and contains 0.92 km^2 of mixed coniferous and deciduous forest in the Piedmont Upland physiographic section. Located near Anniston, AL, the watershed spans an elevation range from 345 to 456 m above sea level and is a tributary to the Coosa River (within the larger Mobile-Tombigbee basin). The region has a humid subtropical climate, with mean daily January and July air temperatures of 5.3°C and 25.3°C respectively, and mean annual precipitation of 1,400 mm/yr.

Paint Rock Site Description:
Paint Rock (stream code=PRF) research watershed (outlet location: 34.96861724, -86.16501705) on privately owned property in Jackson County (AL, USA). The watershed drains a non-perennial unnamed tributary to Burks Creek, and contains 2.97 km^2 of deciduous forest in the Cumberland Plateau physiographic section. Located near Estillfork, AL, the watershed spans an elevation range from 211 to 550 m above sea level, and is a tributary to the Paint Rock River (within the larger Tennessee basin). The region has a humid subtropical climate, with mean daily January and July air temperatures of 4.4°C and 25.4°C respectively, and mean annual precipitation of 1,390 mm/yr.

Shambley Creek Site Description:
Shambley Creek (stream code=WHR) research watershed (outlet location: 32.98410915, -88.01334337) was on privately owned property in Greene County (AL, USA). The watershed drains a non-perennial unnamed tributary to Shambley Creek, and contains 0.70 km^2 of coniferous forest managed for silviculture in the East Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic section. Located near Eutaw, AL, the watershed spans an elevation range from 63 to 94 m above sea level, and is a tributary to the Sipsey River (within the larger Mobile-Tombigbee basin). The region has a humid subtropical climate, with mean daily January and July air temperatures of 7.3°C and 27.4°C respectively, and mean annual precipitation of 1,350 mm/yr.