Photo Caption: Volunteers Alex and Katie and CISMA Coordinator Alex Florian collect insects in a creek.
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.
What is Volunteer Water Monitoring?
The Van Buren Conservation District, Two Rivers Coalition, 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.
🙋 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
Pre-registration is preferred. Group leaders will guide and teach you all need to know. 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.
We typically hold our Volunteer Water Monitoring events the first Sundays in May and October. Check out our News webpage for upcoming events or reach out.
info@VanBurenCD.org | 269-657-4030 x5
View our monitoring results – click here
Get involved with our water – check out the Two Rivers Coalition
Learn more about invasive species – check out the SWxSW Corner CISMA serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties
Quality Assurance Project Plan – click here
