Marsh and Stream Explorers Field Training in Westbrook

Location: Mill Brook Preserve, Westbrook

April 25  from 9:30 am-12 pm

Free; registration required

Curious about what critters live in your local streams and freshwater marshes? Come join Maine Audubon and Maine DEP for a fun morning of catching and identifying macroinvertebrates at Mill Brook Preserve! Get hands-on training and learn how you can contribute to an important community science project that acts as a screening tool for Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) water quality assessments. Be prepared to wade into shallow water as you net and handle macroinvertebrates!

Marsh and Stream Explorers is a water quality monitoring project that trains volunteers to survey streams and freshwater marshes for large aquatic insects (macroinvertebrates) which are sensitive to environmental stressors and can be indicators of wetland health. After this training session, you’ll have the tools to choose and survey your own stream or freshwater marsh and contribute invaluable data to Maine’s water quality monitoring efforts. If you’re interested in getting outdoors, learning something new, and protecting your local watershed, this community science project is for you!

We will meet at the parking area for the Northern Trailhead and go on a short walk from there. Wear clothes and shoes you’re comfortable walking in and potentially getting wet, waders or muckboots are encouraged and some may be provided.