Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling (or “bug” sampling) is the cornerstone of many volunteer stream monitoring programs, including MiCorps. The large variety of insect larvae and other invertebrates that live in running waters have a range of sensitivity to sources of stream degradation such as sedimentation, water pollution, and habitat loss. As a result, a sample of the macroinvertebrate community at a stream site can reveal much about the condition of the stream. Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling is particularly suitable for volunteer monitoring programs because the organisms are abundant and most of them are easy to find. The equipment and expertise needed to collect stream macroinvertebrates is fairly basic and inexpensive, and the organisms are relatively easy to identify to ecologically meaningful levels. These attributes, combined with the fact that a collection of bugs is far more fascinating to observe than a water sample, make bug monitoring an ideal activity for volunteer stream monitors.

The MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program monetarily supports groups around the state who are interested in using volunteer labor to collect benthic macroinvertebrates. This is an effective program because the state benefits from having a large network of stream watchdogs looking for environmental problems, the stream groups benefit because they receive financial help in establishing and building their programs, and the volunteers benefit because they are able to participate in a unique and fun outdoor experience.

Stream monitoring groups connected with MiCorps typically organize a fall and spring monitoring event. These events are popular and attract a variety of different types of people, including children, students, retirees, fishermen, scientists, teachers, and people of all ages who love to be outside. In the spring of 2009, MiCorps monitoring groups around Michigan rallied more than 1,000 people to aid in their monitoring events. Because not all interested citizens are able to attend every event, it is reasonable to estimate that between 1,500 and 3,000 Michiganders are annually volunteering in a MiCorps related stream event.

The MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program first provided grants in 2005, and since that time has aided 23 groups in establishing or expanding benthic macroinvertebrate programs. Thousands of Michigan citizens have learned how to enjoy and care for our streams as a direct result of this program. In these hard financial times, it can be difficult to foresee the future of any program supported by government money. It is our hope that the MiCorps program continues long into the future, aiding the health of our natural resources, inspiring our future scientists and environmental leaders, and teaching citizens how their actions affect the world around them.

Twenty-three groups have received a MiCorps grant since 2005. These groups are spread across the state and work with a variety of different types of people.

1. Barry Conservation District
2. Branch County Conservation District
3. Chikaming Open Lands
4. Clinton River Watershed Council
5. Friends of the Rouge
6. Friends of the St Clair River Watershed
7. Glen Lake Association, Inc.
8. Jackson County Conservation District
9. Kalamazoo Chapter, Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited
10. Lake Superior State University
11. Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve (GNP)
12. Central Michigan University/ Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, Inc.
13. Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council
14. Muskegon Conservation District
15. Muskegon River Watershed Assembly
16. Pine River/Van Etten Lake (PRVEL) Coalition
17. River Raisin Watershed Council
18. Superior Watershed Partnership and UP Resource Conservation and Development Council (various locations across Upper Peninsula)
19. Shakey Sentinels Stream Monitoring Group (The Sierra Club Foundation)
20. The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
21. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
22. The Nature Conservancy/Livingston County Drain Commissioner
23. MiCorps Program Manager- Huron River Watershed Council

Authors:
Dr. Paul Steen
MiCorps Staff
Huron River Watershed Council

Dr. Jo Latimore
Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
Michigan State University