We care about our water – whether we’re drinking it, bathing in it, or swimming and playing in it. To check up on our water’s health, twice a year we hold Volunteer Water Monitoring events.
Volunteer Water Monitoring
👥 Free event
📍 Lawrence River Park, Lawrence, MI 49064
📅 Sunday, May 3, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
What is Volunteer Water Monitoring?
Volunteer Water Monitoring is a biannual event bringing together volunteers and guides to monitor our water’s health.
The Van Buren Conservation District, Two Rivers Coalition, the Pokagon Band, and volunteers come together to protect our water. We wade into rivers and streams to collect macroinvertebrates (bugs and the like) to monitor our water’s health. We always have fun, and you don’t need experience to join in!
Why bugs/macroinvertebrates?
One cup of water gives us a snapshot of water health at that exact moment. Bugs and macroinvertebrates live in our lakes, rivers, and streams for a day to months to many years. By collecting them, we get the bigger picture of our water’s health. The more we know about our water’s health, the better we keep it healthy and safe.
Come Along!
Whether you want to be in the water, on land, or somewhere in-between, we have something for you. No skills or experience needed.
🙋 Collector – in waders get into the water and collect bugs and macroinvertebrates
🏃♂️ Runner – the go-between the collector and picker, bringing what’s collected in the water to the pickers on the bank
🐛 Picker – with provided tools, pick out macroinvertebrates from collected materials
Sign up and meet us on Sunday, May 3 at the River Point Access in Lawrence (north of the Lawrence Township Hall (411 N Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064)) at 1:00 PM. We will have beverages and snacks while going over what to do. Then, your group leader will guide your group to collection sites.
Pre-registration is preferred. Minors need to be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers must be at least 10 years old. Volunteer Waivers must be filled out at the beginning of the event by all volunteers, and minors’ waivers must be completed by a guardian. Waders, equipment, beverages, and fun are provided. See our accessibility statement at the bottom of this webpage.
Volunteer Water Monitoring events are made possible through folks like you! In 2016, voters approved the VBCD Operations millage. Through the millage, we are able to protect our land and water while supporting our residents and landowners. This year, we were able to leverage those funds to obtain a grant from MiCorps that helps make this work possible too. Thank you!
Join the fun – pre-register to protect our water here!
Mark your calendars! We typically hold these events the first Sundays in May and October each year.
Get involved with our water with the Two Rivers Coalition.
Learn more about invasive species with the SWxSW Corner CISMA Team – serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Questions, Help, & More
For questions, help, or more please contact us:
CISMA Coordinator Alex Florian
InvasivesEd@VanBurenCD.org
269-633-9044
Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather or other changes, we will notify pre-registered attendees of event cancellation.
Accessibility
These events are held outdoors. We encourage all attendees to be mindful of their abilities and needs and other conditions that could affect their ability to participate.
When able, the VBCD is committed to providing accommodations. The VBCD provides waders for those who will be wading into rivers and streams. If you wish to bring your own, you’re welcome to do so.
- Weather: We encourage attendees to check for weather conditions and dress and prepare accordingly for the weather.
- Terrain: Terrain is unpaved and uneven ground or otherwise can be difficult to go across.
- Safety: We encourage all participants to keep their safety in mind. On water, we follow the buddy system and require appropriate gear.
- Clothing & footwear: We encourage all participants to wear the proper clothing and footwear when attending our events. Appropriately suit your clothing and footwear to event weather conditions, terrain, and your needs.
- Parking: Parking may be on paved, unpaved, or roadside surfaces and without demarcated or reserved parking spaces.
- Physical ability: Our events may be lightly paced but require an ability to move at a steady pace.
- Allergens: These outdoor events may be unsafe for those with allergies, especially those with allergies specific to the outdoors.
- Sensory: The outdoor environment may have scents, sounds, sights, and other stimuli which could affect those with sensory sensitivities.
- Restrooms: Restrooms may or may not be available at our meeting site and may or may not be accessible restrooms. Restrooms may be available between collection sites.
Other accommodations: For any accommodation-minded considerations not covered above, please contact us.
