Is searching for insects and learning more about the health of the waterways around Chelsea something that interests you?
On Oct. 6, Huron River Watershed Council volunteers will participate in a fall river roundup, and there are several sites in and around Chelsea, which are part of the event.
If you’re interested, come alone and join a group, or bring a small team of friends and family for this “unique activity in the Huron River,” according to information about the event.
As part of a long-term river study, HRWC looks for the bugs and other creatures (benthic macroinvertebrates) that live in the streams each fall.
“Like canaries in a coal mine, they tell researchers a lot about the health of the river,” the information states.
Trained volunteer collectors take teams to a pair 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.
However, participants are advised to dress for the weather.
Volunteers meet in Ann Arbor and car pool to their assigned sites; one may be near their home. Participants must register early to be assigned to a team and children are welcome to attend with an adult.
Groups will be “bug hunting” in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne and/or Washtenaw counties.
Participants may choose one of two time slots — 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the deadline to register is Oct. 3.
First-time volunteers, are asked to fill out this form and this form; returning volunteers are asked to fill out this form.
For more information, email Jason at [email protected].
