Are you looking for an opportunity to better understand your local watershed? Become a Kalamazoo River Guardian!

Working with a team of experts, participants will help sample parts of the Kalamazoo River watershed and its local tributaries for macroinvertebrates (water bugs). Samples will be brought back to the lab to be identified under microscopes as a group. The data collected contributes to a statewide database used for valuable research and monitoring of water quality. No prior experience is required, and lunch will be provided.

Please wear appropriate clothing for being outside in the forecasted weather. Bring water, any snacks you may need, a hat, or sunscreen. We will have pizza for lunch (with vegetarian options). If this does not suit your dietary restrictions, please pack a lunch.

We will meet at Merrill Park (5845 Comstock Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048).

This event is recommended for those older than 8. If you have a younger person who you would like to bring, please connect with us and we can discuss ways in which they can participate safely and while having a fun experience. A chaperone is required to accompany participants younger than 14. Participants must have transportation to the sampling site and Heronwood Field Station (lab and lunch location).