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Volunteer Stream Monitoring - MiCorps

bug2_200.jpgJoin us each spring and fall as we partner with the professionals at Van Buren Conservation District to sample for aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects and insect larvae) in the Paw Paw and Black River Watersheds. As a group, these aquatic insects serve as indicator species helping us measure the health of these rivers. It is also, just fun to get your feet wet and explore the rivers up and close with like-minded community scientists. 

Following statewide procedures developed by Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), we will measure the rivers health and add to the statewide database year after year to monitor long-term trends. This allows us to make informed decisions based on good quality data benchmarked across the state. 

No experience necessary. Learn more with through the VBCD StoryMap.

Tentative Sampling Dates: Spring- first Sunday in May, Fall- first Sunday in October. Check Calendar for dates.

Follow TRC and/or Van Buren Conservation District on Facebook for specific details.


Water Quality Map:

The map shows monitoring sites with color coding for the last water quality ranking. Select waypoints to see more details.

 

Water Quality Rating Color Key: Excellent = Blue, Good = Green, Fair = Yellow, Poor = Red

 

MiCorps Summary Table:

Updated: 4/8/25 Survey Results: Water Quality Ranking
Stream Site Watershed First Survey Last Survey Survey Count Poor Fair Good Excellent Last Score
Brandywine Creek Paw Paw Fall 2015 Fall 2022 7 0 2 5 0 Fair
Brush Creek Paw Paw Fall 2015 Fall 2022 10 2 3 5 0 Poor
Eagle Lake Drain Paw Paw Fall 2015 Spring 2024 12 1 6 4 1 Good
Eastman Creek Black Fall 2015 Fall 2022 9 0 6 3 0 Fair
Mill Creek Paw Paw Fall 2015 Fall 2022 8 3 4 1 0 Poor
North Branch PPR Paw Paw Fall 2015 Fall 2022 6 2 1 2 1 Poor
Paw Paw River T2SA Paw Paw Fall 2015 Fall 2024 10 0 5 3 2 Good
Paw Paw River T3SA Paw Paw Fall 2015 Fall 2017 3 0 0 1 2 Excellent
Paw Paw River T4SA Paw Paw Fall 2015 Fall 2024 8 2 3 2 1 Poor
Pine Creek T3SB Paw Paw Fall 2015 Spring 2022 7 3 2 2 0 Poor
Pine Creek T3SC Paw Paw Spring 2016 Fall 2022 3 1 2 0 0 Poor
South Branch BR Black Fall 2015 Spring 2021 6 0 4 2 0 Fair
South Branch PPR Paw Paw Fall 2015 Spring 2021 11 0 3 7 1 Fair
White Creek Paw Paw Spring 2016 Fall 2022 9 0 5 4 0 Fair
Total (sum) 109 14 46 41 8

This page last updated on 4/15/2025.
 

Thank you for visiting and we hope to see you soon!