Who lives under rocks in the creeks and streams that run through our favorite parks and backyards? What can these organisms tell us about how clean and healthy the water is? Join the Community Science Institute at Buttermilk Falls State Park as we explore the aquatic life that can be found under the rocks in Buttermilk Creek. This event is meant for the whole family and is very hands-on! Participants are not only invited but encouraged to wade into the water to search for benthic macroinvertebrates (meaning tiny organisms living at or found at the bottom of the creek, who lack a spine and are large enough to see without a microscope). We will collect samples of these organisms and you’ll learn how to identify them and how they can be used to evaluate the water quality and overall ecosystem health. Those who are interested in following the scientific protocols for collecting an official sample (that will be analyzed at a later date and the results included in CSI’s long-term datasets of water quality) can help collect the sample and complete a physical survey of the stream.

Programming is most appropriate for children ages 6-14, though all are welcome. A parent/guardian/chaperone must register as well and be present during the duration of the program. Space is limited, so sign up while there is still time! Registration will close 3 days before the event. If you need to cancel your reservation, please do so as soon as possible and at least one day in advance. You can call or text CSI at (607) 233-0811 or info@communityscience.org.

Kids can get a passport stamped at one of each type of Journey of Water program to earn a free Journey of Water t-shirt at the end of the summer.

All Journey of Water programming is free to all, made possible through support from the Park Foundation.