Stream Monitoring at Black Branch, South of Leesburg

Ever wonder what’s living at the bottom of our local streams? Make a splash into the world of citizen science and join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Stream Team to help gauge local water quality by surveying benthic macroinvertebrates.

Learn how to collect macros like mayflies, dragonflies and water pennies, using the Virginia Save Our Streams protocol. Then use field guides and dichotomous keys to identify what you find. Check out these amazing critters under a Magiscope to see their unique adaptations like gills and predatory mandibles! Finally, we’ll tally up what you find to get a stream health score.

All surveys are led by certified stream monitors and no experience is required. Please wear water boots. All other equipment will be provided. Exact location will be sent to registered participants closer to the survey date. Registration required.  Rain date is September 24.  Ages 12 and up. Registration is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email Amy Ulland as specified below.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email Amy Ulland (aulland@loudounwildlife.org) and give her your name, cell phone number (in case we need to contact you for rescheduling or cancellation due to weather), number of people in your group, and the name of this event (Black Branch). Additionally, please complete a Volunteer Application and Waiver Form for each person in your group. Space is limited, so we ask that you sign up for only one opportunity. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.