Volunteers return to Cedar River for stream sampling

Volunteers with Little Forks Conservancy will soon return to the Cedar River for the biannual stream sampling event on Saturday, May 17. This long-running project uses aquatic macroinvertebrates—animals without a backbone that can be seen with the naked eye—to help assess water quality in the river. This event is being sponsored by Rivers Are Life.

On the morning of the event, teams will gather at 10 a.m. at the Gladwin Conservation District’s Community Garden, located at 145 Clendening Road in Gladwin, before heading out to six sampling sites across Gladwin and Clare Counties. After collecting data in the field, teams will reconvene at the Community Garden to share a group lunch, provided by the Conservancy.

Now in its eleventh year, Little Forks’ stream monitoring program continues to provide valuable insights into local water quality.

“Stream sampling is a great way for people to learn about the local environment while contributing to real scientific research," said Shelby Gentle, Land Conservation Specialist with the Little Forks Conservancy. “Volunteers get a close-up look at the tiny creatures that tell us so much about water quality and stream health, all while enjoying a fun day along one of Michigan’s beautiful waterways.”

Macroinvertebrates, such as dragonfly and mayfly larvae, are key indicators of stream health. Some species are highly sensitive to pollution, while others can thrive even in degraded conditions. By analyzing which species are present at each site, citizen scientists can get a clearer picture of the river's condition.

Volunteers play a vital role in citizen science projects like this. This stream monitoring effort is part of the Little Forks Conservancy’s broader mission to protect and enhance land and water resources in the region. Events like this not only support environmental research but also create opportunities for people to connect with nature and learn how healthy ecosystems support the local community.

For more details on stream sampling or to learn more about ways to get involved with the Little Forks Conservancy, contact Shelby Gentle at sgentle@littleforks.org or 989-835-4886 extension 103.