Macroinvertebrate Sampling on the White River
Designated a Natural River by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and located right here in Oceana County, the White River is one of the state’s finest river systems due to its undeveloped nature and pristine quality.
We are joining the White River Watershed Partnership in their efforts to monitor the quality of the White River Watershed. Twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, a team of professionals and interested citizens dip nets into tributaries and streams of the White River to collect macroinvertebrates (insects you can see with the naked eye). Once collected, the team meets back at the Kropscott Environmental Center to sort and identify the macroinvertebrates. The number and diversity of macroinvertebrates are indicators of water qualify and health of a watershed.
It’s a fun, educational, hands-on experience, ideal for seasoned and budding stream biologists, but open to anyone who has an interest in the White River. Adults please plan to accompany children younger than 16. If you’d like to be a part of this important monitoring work, you can dedicate a half or full day in the following ways:
Meet at 9:30am at the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center to participate in the stream sampling. Bring waders if you have them.
Meet at 12:00pm at the Kropscott Farm Environmental Center to help sort and identify macroinvertebrates. Tweezers, jars, and magnifying headsets are provided. No previous experience needed.
Address and Directions: 6523 W. Baseline Rd, Fremont. From M-20 in Hesperia, continue east on M-20 and take Stone Road south 1 mile and turn right at Baseline Rd.
Back-up Date: In case of inclement weather, May 18 will be a back up date!
To register: Contact Raymond Schinler, Board Chair White River Watershed Partnership, at (231) 861-4624 or raymondschinler@gmail.com. You can also visit the White River Watershed Partnership website for more information.
