Is there a budding marine biologist at your house? The Friends of the St. Clair River have just the thing to keep that interest in aquatic discovery going. The Friends are looking for volunteers to help them search for Winter Stoneflies in the Belle River.

The riverside expedition is planned for Saturday, January 28th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Columbus County Park in Columbus Township.

Why are stoneflies important? The aquatic insect is a measure of the health of the waterway. Stoneflies are sensitive to water pollution and have a low tolerance for poor water conditions. Stoneflies complete their life cycles in the winter.

Friends Education Manager, Melissa Kivel, said, “We were amazed at the number of stoneflies we found last winter in the Belle River. We’re excited to get out there again because our Stream Team connects people with rivers that are full of life even in the coldest months. The data our volunteers collect helps us monitor environmental changes in the river and make suggestions for water quality protection work.”  

To help with the hunt for winter stoneflies, register at www.scriver.org. If you have waders, bring them. They are also available upon request.

Everything is free, including hot beverages, and you don’t need to have any prior experience.