Are you someone who loves exploring and walking through streams? Do you care about the environment and water quality? If so, then this community science project focused on exploring water quality and stream health is perfect for you. Maine Audubon, in collaboration with Trout Unlimited Merrymeeting Bay chapter, is seeking volunteers to assist in sampling Frost Gully Brook to determine the presence of sensitive, moderately sensitive, and tolerant large aquatic insects (macroinvertebrates) following the removal of dams on the brook system last summer. This tributary flows into the Harraseeket River, which then flows into Casco Bay.
As a volunteer, you will work in teams of three or four to sample at a location in Freeport over the next year. Training, equipment, maps of the survey streams, data forms, and instructions will be provided. An in-person training session will take place on May 16 at Selene’s Fly Shop in Gardiner from 5:30-7:30 pm, or volunteers can choose to do online training by watching videos on the Maine Audubon website. The data collected by community scientists will offer valuable insights into water quality and the overall health of streams and rivers.
Macroinvertebrates are important indicators of environmental changes. Certain species need specific water conditions and high-quality habitat. The presence or absence of different species can provide information on water quality and stream ecological health. Macroinvertebrates also serve as a crucial food source for many aquatic species, playing a vital role in the stream food web. If there is a decline in insect population, it can impact the entire aquatic food web.
If you are interested in signing up for this project or have any questions, please email hyoung@maineaudubon.org. Get involved and make a difference in monitoring and protecting our water resources!
