Volunteers Sought For Saturday’s Macroinvertebrate Survey

The public is invited to join Conservation Commission members and other environmental-minded volunteers on Saturday, October 17, to sample stream life in Newtown. Step into the town’s streams and sift for macroinvertebrates — the small stream dwelling organisms that serve as indicators of the stream’s health and water quality.

Volunteers and organizers will meet for coffee and brief training at 8 am on Saturday in the Newtown waste water treatment plant conference room at the end of Commerce Road. Training will begin around 8:15, and volunteers will head into the field shortly after that.

Come prepared to be outside in cold, possibly rainy weather for about two hours. Rain gear and appropriate clothing and gloves are recommended. Also, waders are a better alternative than hip boots, or bring something dry to sit on while sorting samples.

Conservation Commission Chairman Joe Hovious plans to have an experienced sampler lead volunteer groups. The teams will help in collecting the samples and sorting and identifying the macroinvertebrates. In the event of heavy rain the event may be canceled.

Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact Mr Hovious, in advance if possible. He can be reached at JCHovious@snet.net or 270-1960 or 470-2952.