Posted by – Shawn Keenan, Assistant City Planner

It’s this time of year there’s snow on the ground and temperatures outside are in the 20’s or low 30’s if we’re lucky.  This type of weather is not for the faint of heart, but a growing number of Michiganders enjoy this winter wonderland and all it has to offer.

It’s also the time when the Stonefly nymph begin to emerge from the cold waters of our local rivers and streams and when the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) looks for volunteers to search for the Stonefly nymph. The Stonefly is a creature that only measures about 7-12 mm long and is most active when the water temperature is very cold like it is now.  Finding them in our rivers is also a good indicator that the water quality is high since it’s one of the most sensitive of all aquatic macroinvertebrates living in our waters.

So if you enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind braving the cold you might be interested in joining the CRWC staff and volunteers at 9:00 am on Saturday, January 20th for their annual Winter Stonefly Search.  From there, volunteers will split into teams and travel up to 15 sampling locations throughout the watershed, including Riverside Park in Auburn Hills.  Once teams have finished their site research, all will meet back at the office for pizza, snacks and hot beverages.

Everyone is welcome to join the search.  The CRWC will have a few extra pairs of waders on hand for those who choose to get in the water – or participants can bring their own.  The search goes on regardless of the weather so dress warmly.  Registration is required by January 18th.  Please contact the CRWC’s office at 248-601-0606 or e-mail registration@crwc.org to register or for additional information.