Volunteers Sought for Huron River Stonefly Search

1100 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI | Get Directions »
FREE

The Huron River Watershed Council is seeking volunteers for its annual Winter Stonefly Search on Jan. 26.

Interested individuals are invited to come on their own or bring a small team of friends and family for a unique wintertime activity in the Huron River. 

As part of a long-term river study, each January, HRWC looks for "winter stoneflies," which grow, feed and find their mates in the coldest months, when most fish are too sluggish to eat them. Stoneflies are very sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat. Like canaries in a coal mine, they tell researchers a lot about the health of the river. 

Trained volunteer collectors take each team to two of HRWC’s 70 designated study sites throughout the Huron River system, where the group helps search through stones, leaves, and sediment taken from the river bottom. All equipment is provided. Participants are advised to dress for the weather. Volunteers meet in Ann Arbor and car pool to their assigned sites.

Participants must register early to be assigned to a team.

Children are welcome to attend with their own adult.

WHERE: Meet in Ann Arbor. Then car pool to two streams in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne and/or Washtenaw counties.

WHEN: Two starting times: Jan. 26 at 10:30 a.m., or noon.

DEADLINE: Registration closes on Jan. 22.