- Volunteers at the Fall 2010 AAS Collection Day
Adopt-A-Stream is a program in which volunteers monitor water quality by collecting and identifying benthic macroinvertebrates or “bugs” from different sites along the Upper Grand River. There is a spring and fall collection during which volunteers work in teams to collect bugs from different sites within the Upper Grand River Watershed. There is also a winter stonefly hunt and summer habitat assesment.
Stonefly Hunt Volunteers 2012
Volunteers either wade in the water and collect the bugs or stay on dry land and help sort the bugs. Each Collection Day is followed by a “Bug Identification Night”. Staff and volunteers use microscopes and reference materials to identify the bugs we found on Collection Day.
The number and diversity of invertebrates found at each site provides insight into the health of the waterway at that location. Join us for a chance to be outdoors, learn more about your local ecosystem and help make a difference.
Volunteers do not need to be experienced in water quality or macroinvertebrate identification. All training and equipment is provided. Kids 12 and older are welcome to participate if accompanied by an adult.
Please visit our events calendar for upcoming Adopt-A-Stream training and collection dates. Please note that all new volunteers need to attend a training session in order to participate in Collection Day. If you would like more information or would like to sign up for an upcoming Collection please use the “CONTACT US” tab (UGRIP) or call our office.
