Today, when the Martinsville YMCA group arrived at the Smith River, the fog was hanging in the air over the water. The morning was cool (and the water very cold) at the start of a day that was predicted to be a scorcher! The group learned about how the animals living in our rivers and streams can tell us whether they are healthy or not. Benthic macroinvertebrates can be found on the rocks in the river, and the number and kind you find indicate water quality. Brian Williams joined us, and showed everyone how to collect the macros, so we could identify and observe them. The water was a cold 54 degrees (we measured the temperature), but everyone waded in to look for animals. We found quite a few, and about 12 healthy crayfish! I think everyone had a great time in the river.
Fog over the Smith River
Two macroinvertebrates on a rock
Holding a black rat snake we found by the river
Brian Williams describes how he collects macroinvertebrates to determine the health of the river.
Wading into the water
Lots of crayfish!
Looking for critters in the water
Ready to catch something!
Everyone got used to the cold water eventually!
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