These underwater creatures elude most predators by growing during the winter months when most fish are more sluggish. They live only in good quality streams so searching for them tells us about problems in the river and its streams. The reason that HRWC does stonefly searches is to use their presence to gauge the health of our streams.
When you sign up to volunteer, you will join a small group of other volunteers to search a selected stretch of stream or River for stoneflies. You will be working with experienced researchers in the collection of stoneflies. They will also teach you how we determine the health of the stream or river you are visiting.
Children are welcome to join the search as long as each one is attended by an adult. HRWC welcomes folks of all abilities to our events! Weather permitting, some study sites are accessible to those who use mobility devices or have other mobility disabilities. Please contact Jason Frenzel at jfrenzel@HRWC.org ahead of the event to discuss options.