Slots are now open to all “budding and seasoned biologists” for a hands-on training that dives straight into the murky waters of stream science in Thurston County.
On Friday, April 4, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Stream Team staff will lead a “Stream Bug Monitoring Training” at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia.
The event welcomes curious minds ages 7 and up to join the first round of stream bug monitoring for the spring season, the Stream Team said in announcing the event.
At the site, participants will examine samples pulled directly from Percival Creek. The Stream Team staff will walk volunteers through the process of gathering and prepping acquired bug samples.
Using field microscopes, attendees will identify “benthic macroinvertebrates,” which are stream-dwelling organisms that live at the bottom of creeks and are highly sensitive to pollution, sediment levels and habitat change.
According to the team, the aquatic insects serve as “key indicators of water quality.” Attendees will review what species they find and connect that data with visible conditions in the creek.
“We will show you how we collect and prepare the samples for lab analysis,” the Stream Team stated.
Participants will also assess habitat health by observing features like “bank stability and water health.”
“You can use microscopes to explore the fantastic species living in Percival Creek. How many different kinds can you spot? What is the habitat like? How is the bank stability? Based on your findings, how healthy is the creek?” an event announcement asks.
After the training, the Stream Team volunteers will assist with creek assessments in Thurston County.
To claim a spot, participants must sign up through the Community Event Registration and Volunteer Information Service (CERVIS).
Cynthia Taylor is the contact for registration and can be reached at cynthia.taylor@co.thurston.wa.us or by phone at 360-754-4013.
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