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Posted on Mon, Dec 21, 2009 : 10:03 a.m.

Volunteer with the Huron River Watershed Council: Help hunt for the elusive winter stonefly

By Matthew Naud

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HRWC Stonefly Volunteers

Find life under the ice in the Huron River.

The Huron River Watershed Council is seeking volunteers for a great outing on January 30th! A Searcher trained in the ways of the river will lead you and a few friends to find the elusive Winter Stoneflies. These underwater creatures cannot be found during most of the year; they come to life only during the winter months when most fish are too sluggish to eat them. Your Searcher will handle the stream work, allowing you to stay dry.

Register by January 11th to be placed on a team. You will be helping with a long-term study of our environment since aquatic insects, by their sensitivity to environmental conditions, tell us about problems in the river and its streams.

No prior knowledge or training is required and children are welcome if each one is accompanied by an adult. As one of the volunteers said, "I got involved because it sounded like something I would never get the chance to do in my everyday life. The opportunity to learn something new, so far removed from what I do everyday, was really attractive...and the results would be important to the health and future of our creek." (She has been returning for years.)

It will take about five hours and you may choose from two starting times: 10:30 AM or 12 Noon. You must register by January 11th in order to be put on a team. The event is free. Register at www.hrwc.org/volunteer/stonefly/ or contact Joan at (preferably) jmartin@hrwc.org or (734) 769-5123, ext.11 to register or ask questions. Meet regardless of the weather and dress to be outdoors.

WHAT: Stonefly Search in the Huron River

WHEN: January 30th, 10:30 AM - 3 PM or 12 Noon - 4:30 PM.

WHERE: Choose from sites in Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties

EMAIL or CALL by January 11th: Register at www.hrwc.org/volunteer/stonefly/ or jmartin@hrwc.org or (734) 769-5123, ext.11 to register and get directions

Matthew Naud is the Environmental Coordinator for the city of Ann Arbor. He is a contributor to the Your World column. Visit www.a2gov.org/green for more information on environmental issues in the city. He can be reached at mnaud@a2gov.org.