Cleveland Metroparks

Watershed

Volunteer

Program

August 19th, 2026

Worst Ice Cubes Ever or Macroinvertebrates Divided into Groups for Identification?

[Image Credit: Ruari Ferrante]

The Hidden Life of Our Streams:

Using Macroinvertebrates to Monitor Water Quality

When we look at a stream, or a flowing river, it is easy to look at it and judge its health simply by what you see on the surface-clear water, rushing currents, and green banks. However, to truly understand the quality of that body of water, we must look beneath the surface and past our visual perception of it. Surprisingly enough, the truth about water quality is found beneath the rocks and with some small critters we call benthic macroinvertebrates.

The "Benthic Zone" is the lowest ecological layer of a body of water; "macro" means large, and in this context visible to the naked eye. An invertebrate is an animal that lacks a backbone or a spine; so a Benthic macroinvertebrate translates to a bottom-dwelling, visible, spineless creature. This diverse group includes the aquatic larval stages of insects like mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, as well as aquatic snails, worms, and crayfish. While a chemical water test can give us a quick snapshot of water conditions at an exact moment in time, a community of macroinvertebrates tells us the long-term story of that stream or river. Because they live in the water 24/7 and cannot easily migrate away from pollution, their presence—or absence—speaks volumes about the ecosystem.

Different macroinvertebrates have vastly different levels of tolerance to pollution, sediment, and low dissolved oxygen. Some species like stonefly and mayfly nymphs are highly sensitive; they require the highest quality and most oxygen rich water to survive. However, looking at the other end of the spectrum, macroinvertebrates such as aquatic worms and leeches are highly tolerant to polluted conditions.

[Image Credit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/steam-at-fairsted-macroinvertebrates.htm]

Using aquatic wildlife to judge the health of waterways allows surveying to be far more engaging as well as accurate. This survey includes getting into the water with kick-seines and nets to safely sample, identify, and count these populations. By collecting data on what macros are living in the water, we can calculate a streams biological health score based on what species we find and the number of individuals. If we collect nets full of lively sensitive species, we know the ecosystem is thriving and filtering water properly. On the other hand, if we only find the most tolerant species, it is a concerning sign that the water quality is being compromised by things such as stormwater runoff, erosion, or chemical pollutants.

Some Chagrin River Macroinvertebrate Finds

[Image Credit: Ruari Ferrante]

Here at the Cleveland Metroparks, we regularly conduct surveys across our 18 Reservations. But we don't keep all the fun to ourselves—that’s where our Watershed Volunteer Program (WVP) volunteers come in! Whether you’re participating in a macroinvertebrate monitoring event or heading out with one of our independent monitoring groups, volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with your local streams. It gives you a chance to make a real difference, engage with nature, and explore the fascinating aquatic life thriving in our local creeks and rivers.

WVP Independent Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Volunteers

[Image Credit: Ruari Ferrante]

Macroinvertebrate monitoring is one of the most hands-on, impactful ways we measure the success of our local conservation efforts. By keeping a close eye on these tiny underwater indicator species, we can get a better understanding of the health of the entire watershed to ensure our local waterways can support life at every level.

Ruari Ferrente

WVP Summer Intern

Happenings

(E) Watershed Wednesday w/ Chagrin River Watershed Partners @ North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

August 12, 2026

[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

WVP Opportunities

Key

(E)ducation: These events include talks, workshops, and training sessions, as well as, community events used to spread awareness of the Watershed Volunteer Program and general watershed health.

(M)onitoring: These events include water quality testing through chemistry and macroinvertebrate monitoring; terrestrial surveys; and beach surveys.

(R)estoration: These events include bioretention clean-ups, tree plantings, invasive plant removal, etc.

Learning About Mitchell's Sustainability Measures and Testing Permeable Pavers

(E) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series Wrap Up @ Mitchell's Ohio City Ice Cream Kitchen in Cuyahoga River Watershed

August 16, 2026

[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

(R) Invasive Cattail Removal

Thu, Aug 20, 6 - 8:30 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Aug 23, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

(E) Caddis Tech MANTA Aquatic Drone Demo

Thu, Aug 27, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Garfield Pond, Garfield Park Reservation in Mill Creek Watershed

(E) Lecture and Training: Watershed Salting Stress and Its Impacts on Inland Aquatic Ecosystems Across a Forested–Urban Gradient with Ruchi Bhattacharya, Ph.D.

Sat, Aug 29, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Garfield Pond, Garfield Park Reservation in Mill Creek Watershed

(M) Parks for Pollinators

Wed, Sept 2, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Huntington Reservation in Cahoon Creek-Frontal Lake Erie Watershed

(E) Monarch Butterfly Tagging

Sun, Sept 6, 1 - 4 p.m. @ Huntington Reservation in Cahoon Creek-Frontal Lake Erie Watershed

(E) Scout Day Macroinvertebrate and Enviroscape Assistants

Sun, Sep 13, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. @ Rocky River Reservation in Rocky River Watershed

(M) Scenic Rivers Macroinvertebrate Monitoring

Tue, Sep 15 (Rain Date: Fri Sept 18), 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Old River Farm Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

(E) NEORSD Clean Water Fest

Sat, Sep 19, Three Shifts: 8-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 2-5 p.m. @ 4747 E. 49th St., Cleveland

(E) Sturgeon Fest

Sat, Sep 19, 1-4 p.m. @ Rivergate Park, 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland in Cuyahoga River Watershed

(M) Parks for Pollinators

Thurs, Sept 24, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Jackson Field, South Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed

(E) Steelhead Expo

Sat, Sep 26, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-3:30 p.m. @ Rocky River Nature Center in Rocky River Watershed

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

Sun, Sept 27, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

(E) Watershed Wednesday w/ Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory

Wed, Sept 30, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Watershed

WVP volunteers, please log into Volgistics to register for primary events.

*Open to the public. Click Here or Email us for the registration link.

View Event Details

(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series @ Wildwood Park in Euclid Creek Watershed

August 9, 2026

[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) Take to the Lake

Sat, Aug 22, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Lower Shaker Lake, Shaker Heights

Doan Brook Watershed Partnership has been hosting our annual event Take to the Lake which was started in 2013 as a memorial to Lester Stumpe, an avid paddler and early DBWP board member. We typically host the event on the last Saturday in August and this years event details can be found below. Canoeing on the Shaker Lakes was a popular pastime in the first half of the 20th century, but public boating on the lakes is now less common. Take to the Lake gives participants a chance to resurrect this recreational opportunity for a day, and gain a new perspective on the lakes and their place in our watershed community. We hope you will join us for an afternoon of paddling, guided hikes, yoga, along the banks of historic Lower Shaker Lake.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Riding the Current of Change: CRWP 30th Anniversary Tours

Mon, Aug 24, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. @ 38401 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Willoughby, OH

CRWP’s board and staff invite you to join our 30th Anniversary Bus Tours. Meet our team and partners, learn more about our sites, and educate on the importance of watershed protection and water funding! Lunch will be provided to all tour participants. TWO TOUR OPTIONS - Regional Partnership Highlights Tour & Chagrin River Headwaters to Mainstream Tour (see itineraries and follow the associated link to register). Free to attend, but space is limited, so registration is required.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Green Yard & Healthy Homes Workshop

Sat, Aug 29, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. @ Cleveland Public Library Eastman Campus

Our yards and homes have an enormous impact on both the natural world and our own health. At this workshop, you’ll learn simple, practical ways to create a healthier landscape by reducing the use of unnecessary chemicals and adopting environmentally friendly lawn and garden practices. Household cleaners and lawn chemicals can be sources of water pollution, making their way into local streams and rivers and, ultimately, Lake Erie. Proper soil testing can help you save money, grow healthier plants, and reduce excess nutrients from washing into our waterways. The workshop is free to attend, and each attendee will receive a complimentary soil test kit while supplies last.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Tues, Sept 1, 6 - 7:30 p.m. @ City of Aurora Service Garage

Discover how to conserve water and save on your utility bills by joining our Rain Barrel Workshop—your first step towards sustainable living! In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel, turning rainwater into a resource for your garden while reducing runoff and protecting our local watersheds.

More Information and Registration Here

(S) State Policy Showcase: Pressing “Pause” on the Data Center Boom

Thurs, Sept 10, 1:00 p.m. @ Webinar

Join us the River Network for their next State Policy Showcase on data centers! This special edition of the showcase will be 90-minutes long and feature speakers doing work in four different states: Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, and New York. We’ll learn about the varied efforts across the nation to generate momentum around "pausing" the data center boom, creating effective policies to protect people and the environment, and highlighting the importance of working with state legislators on this hot-button topic.

You'll hear from Andrew Rehn – Climate Policy Director with Prairie Rivers Network, Alexandra Campbell-Ferrari – Executive Director of The Center for Water Security and Cooperation, Michelle Stockness – Executive Director of Freshwater Society, Carly Griffith - Water Program Director with Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and Jon Binder – Executive Director of Model Climate Laws Initiative. Register today! If you have a specific question or concern about data centers that you’d like addressed during the showcase, please feel free to include it in your registration.

More Information and Registration Here

More (S)upplemental events can be found on our website here.

*WVP volunteers can submit supplemental hours in Volgistics under (S) Watershed Partner Event. Contact us if you need assistance reporting any hours.

Extras

News

Why Can't Ohio Stop Its Harmful Algal Blooms | Read on and watch video here

The Gorge Dam Removal in Cuyahoga Falls Moves Closer to Reality | Read on and watch video here

New Tick Stations at Lorain County Metro Parks Aim to Stop Lyme Disease | Read on and watch video here

Who's Responsible? Abandoned and Sunken Boats in Tennessee's Lakes and Rivers Are a Growing Problem with No Easy Solution | Read on

[Photo Credit: Larry Woodward/USFWS]

You're looking at one of the fastest hunters on Earth!

Does it seem like the wrong photo? Perhaps you were expecting a cheetah? Or maybe a falcon? Or even a killer whale? Nope! The small plant with pretty yellow flowers shown here happens to be a very quick predator that feeds on small animals nearby! It's called a Bladderwort and it lives in a huge wetland straddling the Georgia-Florida border known as the Okefenokee Swamp.

You can read about the Bladderwort's carnivore diet and hunting techniques, as well as four other cool plants residing at Okefenokee, in the article directly below.

Five Gnarly Plants That Live in the

Okefenokee Swamp | Read on