Riverwatch
Riverwatch | River Clean Up | Storm Drain Markers

Riverwatch is an educational data collection program that uses aquatic “bugs” to provide information about the quality of water in a stream or river.  Under this program students or adults collect and identify insects and other invertebrates from local rivers and streams.  The creatures collected live on the bottom of the stream or river and are known as benthic macroinvertebrates.  Some examples of these macroinvertebrates are:  stoneflies, mayflies, caddis flies, worms, snails and leaches.  Measuring the number and variety of macroinvertebrates can provide a good indication as to what’s happening in the river.  This is because different species have different tolerances for water pollution.

The CROW will help train volunteers, including teachers and students on monitoring techniques. We will also loan monitoring equipment to schools and assist with invertebrate monitoring.  The CROW can provide background information on how aquatic invertebrates can be used to provide information about the water quality in a stream.  This program provides public awareness and education in water quality issues.