The Housatonic Valley Association is working with the Roxbury Conservation Commission to organize our 3rd annual Shepaug River health and water quality assessment event.
Shepaug River Critter Assessment
Saturday, October 22nd (This event was rescheduled due to rain from its original date 10/15)
9:30a-1:00p
Meet in front of Roxbury Town Hall (29 North Street, Roxbury, CT)
This is a family friendly activity, and best of all – no equipment or experience is required!
If you are interested in participating and would like to register, or if you would like more information regarding this project, please contact Meghan Ruta, HVA Water Protection Manager: 1-800-TEAM-HVA or mruta@hvatoday.
Event Overview:
Volunteers will break up into teams and be given all necessary sampling equipment. Experienced team leaders will provide a quick and fun training for new volunteers, before heading to a site on either the Shepaug or one of its tributaries. Teams will collect a sample of river critters or 'macroinvertebrates' and work together to identify their findings. At the end of the day we'll prepare specimen samples that will be sent to the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for inclusion in this year's water quality monitoring report. It's important work, but it's also tons of fun! I hope you can join us!!
Background about the event:
This sampling program is part of The Connecticut DEEP's Rapid Bioassessment by Volunteer Monitors (RBV) Program that provides a way of determining the health of a river system by identifying the types of insects found in the stream bottom. Data are submitted to CT DEEP for use in water quality assessments. Please see the following web site for more information about the DEEP's program:
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2719&q=325606&depNav_GID=1654.
What are "macroinvertebrates"?
Freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates are animals without backbones that are visible to the naked eye and dwell in the bottom of streams. The group includes crayfish, mollusks such as clams and snails, aquatic worms and immature forms of aquatic insects such as stonefly, dragonfly and mayfly nymphs. These organisms have varying tolerances for environmental conditions and are therefore excellent indicators of water quality.
What should I bring?
Please bring water, a bag lunch or snacks, and a change of clothes (just in case!). Dress for the weather and to go into the water (waders or water shoes and clothes you do mind getting wet). Bug spray is recommended.
Is registration required?
No, but it is strongly encouraged, so that if we need to change the event for any reason we can let you know! (You can always register as a 'maybe' just in case!)
We look forward to hearing from you!
