Were you one of those kids who loved to turn over rocks in rivers to find out what types of critters dwelled underneath? Or perhaps you are still one of those kids who loved looking at river critters? Well, have we got a fun opportunity for you!
This Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1 PM we will host a Benthic Monitoring Info Session. Our session will occur at Sandy Bottom Park & Golf Course at 610 East College Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812. The GPS coordinates of the parking lot are 38.370704, -78.965264.
FOMR’s Benthic Monitoring Program collects aquatic bugs (macroinvertebrates) from the Middle River and assesses river health by comparing bugs tolerant of pollution with those less tolerant. It’s fun and vital to FOMR’s stewardship of the Middle River.
Monitoring involves wading into the stream and using a seine net (takes 2 people) to collect aquatic bugs. The net with the bugs is then spread out on a table and the bugs are picked out of the net, identified and then placed back in the stream. You will have an opportunity to do it all. It’s a great way for critter catchers of all ages to find out what lives in our river!
Directions to the meetup spot: Enter the park and follow the road to the left. Continue driving down until you dead end in a small parking lot with a bathroom area in the corner. The river and picnic tables are directly next to the parking area. We will be set up there for the discussion and bug sampling.
Thanks & we hope to see you at Sandy Bottom!
