* The Stream Quality Score is based off standards set by Michigan Clean Water Corps (MICorps).

Our stream monitoring program trains volunteers and school groups to collect samples of benthic macroinvertebrates (water bugs) while having lots of fun! This collaboration is a great opportunity for the public to get hands-on learning experience with water quality on the beautiful Shiawassee River. The different bugs are tallied and categorized as sensitive, somewhat sensitive, or tolerant. Simply put, the higher the number of “sensitive” species found in a particular area, the better the water quality. Below is a list of the Stream Quality Scores at each of the nine collection sites. 

The data we collect each year builds a long-term record that helps state and local governments, and other organizations, gain a better sense of river health, recognize and address any changes in river quality, and determine the need for watershed-wide action. 

Every stream team volunteer started out at some point being interested in, but knowing little about, this collecting process.  If you have an interest to learn more and participate, now is the right time to join us.  Please contact Sarah Baker, Friends of the Shiawassee River’s Program Coordinator, at sbaker@shiawasseeriver.org to take the first step!