Dear Friend,

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, May 19, 2024 at 1 pm we will host a Benthic Monitoring info session. We have changed locations for this event. Our session will now occur at Sandy Bottom Park & Golf Course at 610 East College Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812.

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 our meetup spot: If you 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, sampling bugs, and pizza at the end.

If you'd like to join us, please sign up at the form located at this link: https://forms.gle/CJEACbNF7w6SwcsT7

Thanks & we hope to see you at Sandy Bottom on Sunday!