Each spring and fall, volunteers put on their waders to determine the water quality of the Cedar River. Little Forks Conservancy began monitoring the water quality of the Cedar River in the fall of 2015.
The Cedar River Stream Sampling project provides a great opportunity for “citizen scientists” to learn about the importance of using macro-invertebrates to monitor the health of a watershed. Macro-invertebrates are animals without a backbone that can be seen with the naked eye. These bottom-dwelling animals include crustaceans and worms, but most are aquatic insects.
During the sampling day, experienced volunteers act as team leaders and collectors, working in the streams to ensure quality samples are acquired. Newer volunteers assist their team leaders with sorting and transporting the samples. Below is a video showing the collecting and picking process.
The Cedar River Stream Sampling project provides a great opportunity for “citizen scientists” to learn about the importance of using macro-invertebrates to monitor the health of a watershed. Macro-invertebrates are animals without a backbone that can be seen with the naked eye. These bottom-dwelling animals include crustaceans and worms, but most are aquatic insects.
During the sampling day, experienced volunteers act as team leaders and collectors, working in the streams to ensure quality samples are acquired. Newer volunteers assist their team leaders with sorting and transporting the samples. Below is a video showing the collecting and picking process.
The following Monday evening, volunteers identify the species that have been collected. The types of species collected help determine the water quality at the site. Those results are then shared with the State of Michigan.
Video created by Huron Pines AmeriCorps member Erin Dodd. Huron Pines AmeriCorps is a program of Huron Pines and is supported in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Michigan Community Service Commission, Huron Pines, and contributions from host sites.
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Next Sampling Events:
Stream Sampling Leader & Collector Training June 17th , 2025 5:30 -7 PM Dow Gardens Education Center Conference Room Fall Stream Sampling September 13th , 2025 10 AM Gladwin Conservation District's Community Garden |
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All events are run based on a Quality Assurance Project Plan which is approved by the Michigan Clean Water Corps
Our recent results
In Spring of 2025, we found 5 of 6 sites to have a water quality rating of "Excellent" with one testing as "Very Good". We are very pleased with these findings and are grateful to the volunteers who collected data for this citizen-science project.
To learn more about how we calculate water quality ratings from collected macroinvertebrates, visit the MiCorps page here.
To learn more about how we calculate water quality ratings from collected macroinvertebrates, visit the MiCorps page here.
Learn more about the program
Watch Watershed Health from our 2021 Stewardship Series to learn more about the statewide MiCorps program and details about how to get involved at Little Forks Conservancy.
