An Introduction to Benthic Macroinvertebrates Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy March 9, 2014
Feb 24, 2016
An Introduction to
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Loudoun Wildlife ConservancyMarch 9, 2014
Today’s Agenda
• What is a healthy stream?• Best Management Practices• Why are macroinvertebrates good indicators of
stream health?• How do we sample benthic macroinvertebrates?• Where do we sample?• How can you participate?
Activity - Macroinvertebrate Identification
Why is this a healthy stream?
Healthy?
Could this be a problem?
Urban vs. Forested Hydrograph
Too much water?
Best Management Practices
New Insights by Chesapeake Bay program 2014 - http://ian.umces.edu/pdfs/ian_report_438.pdf
Best Management Practices
New Insights by Chesapeake Bay program 2014 - http://ian.umces.edu/pdfs/ian_report_438.pdf
Rain Gardens
New Insights by Chesapeake Bay program 2014 - http://ian.umces.edu/pdfs/ian_report_438.pdf
Potomac Highlands
http://www.cacaponinstitute.org/PHWS%20Benthics/PHWS_BMI_Portal_MS.htm
Potomac Highlands
http://www.cacaponinstitute.org/Benthics/intro%20movie%20v.html
How can I participate?
Help and practice in the field with an existing team.
Keep an eye on our calendar:http://www.tinyurl.com/loudounstreammonitor
Become a certified stream monitor.
Fulfill one of the Stream Monitoring Positions
Coordinator.SchedulerData ManagerEquipment ManagerCommunications
Stream Monitoring PositionsPosition Responsibilities Hours per
month
Stream Monitoring Coordinator Work with LWC Board and attend monthly meetings. 4
Stream Monitoring Scheduler
Update calendar and “nudge” certified leaders to schedule monitoring events, festival and event management 6
Stream Monitoring Data Manager
Accept field sheets, compile data to Excel, post on web site and submit to VA SOS 6
Stream Monitoring Equipment Manager
Maintain inventory of equipment, verify assignment of equipment, replenish and establish budget for future kits 4
Stream Monitoring Communications and Outreach
Maintain list of volunteers, prepare email newsletters and communications. 6
Upcoming Monitoring EventsCrooked Run – Phil Daley – Tue, April 15, 4pm – 6pmNF Catoctin Creek – Helen van Ryzin - Sat, April 26, 2pm – 5pmMilltown Creek – David Ward – Sun, May 18, 2pm – 5pmGoose Creek – North Fork Beaverdam Creek -Limestone Branch – Broad Run -
Certification Training – April 27th Purcellville (Tentative
Where do we sample?
Staying in Touch
Like us on FacebookSign up for Newsletters
See us at Events (Earthday, Family Stream Day)
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancywww.loudounwildlife.org
Loudoun Watershed Watchwww.loudounwatershedwatch.org
Stream Sampling Exercise
What is a Benthic Macroinvertebrate?
Benthic = lives on the bottom
Macro = visible without magnification
Invertebrate = no backbone