In 2003-2004, the Bean/Tiffin Watershed Coalition sponsored several stream searches, including one in Hudson in Spring, 2003, and three more in connection with the EPA Environmental Education grant, "Writing on the Bean," in Addison, Hudson, and Morenci.
The Bean/Tiffin Coalition jumped into its first Stream Search for aquatic macroinvertebrates at Riverside Park, Morenci, in Spring 2002. Stream searches help determine water quality by identifying aquatic insects. Some insects are extremely sensitive to toxins and pollutants in the water. Some are very susceptible to low dissolved oxygen levels that can result from organic pollution such as run-off from manure-spread fields. The quality of a stream can be seen in the diversity and quantity of various insects found under rocks in streams, on the roots of vegetation growing on stream banks, and in leaf packs caught up along the sides of the stream. In October 2002, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act with a water monitoring day at Wakefield Park, Morenci. Middle school students and the high school environmental club participated.
At the spring Stream Search, the Bean was at flood-stage!
Not an easy search! This year we'll be conducting another Stream Search for
Macroinvertebrates at the Linear Park in Hudson -- date to be announced.
SPRING 2002 STREAM SEARCH (the aftermath), RIVERSIDE PARK, MORENCI
soaking wet Christie Cook (left), and Karen Mepham and Christie (right)
FALL 2002 CELEBRATION OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT, WAKEFIELD PARK, MORENCI
Morenci students testing Bean Creek; under the bridge; and Kathy Melmoth discussing the Natural Features photobook.