UPPER AUSABLE RIVER WATERSHED
WATER QUALITY MONITORING

In 2006, the Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve organized a number of organizations to collect data and regularly monitor the water quality of the upper AuSable River watershed.  Volunteers collect insect specimens from the river system at six points on one day each June and September. Sites include the Mainstream, North Branch, East Branch, South Branch and the Big Creeks. Following the collection dates, teams of volunteers identify the bugs in the laboratory at Kirtland Community College. The type, quantity and variety of these macro-invertebrates are used to score the quality of the water system.

The project has its own website, www. ausableriverwatershed.org, where you can view results, find upcoming collection dates and sign up as a volunteer. No experience is necessary. We will train you in collection techniques and insect identification. It is a fabulous way to learn about the river and its inhabitants or if you have expertise in this area, to teach others. And we always have food after a job well done.

The project’s partners include: Kirtland Community College, AuSable River Restoration Committee, Anglers of the AuSable, the Mershon, Headwaters and Griffth Chapters of Trout Unlimited, AuSable River Center, Roscommon County Community Foundation and Kirtland Community College Foundation.