Audubon Naturalist Society is again offering our series of introductory Stream Science classes for those interested in becoming biological water quality monitors and anyone excited about what lives in and around our streams! Please join us at our Woodend Sanctuary headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD (we also have one field class) to learn all about stream ecology and structure. Learn more and register at https://anshome.org/water-quality-monitoring#classes.
Introduction to Stream Science
Classroom Session: Healthy Stream Biology*
Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Thursday, September 14 (7-9:30 pm)
ANS members $15; nonmembers $30
In the classroom, we will explore how “benthic macroinvertebrates” – organisms that live in the bottom of streams – help us assess streams’ health. We will learn to identify these organisms to the taxonomic level of order through a PowerPoint presentation and by identifying preserved specimens through a hands-on session with microscopes.
Field Workshop (site TBA, Montgomery County, MD)*
Saturday, September 16 (9:30 am-12 pm)
ANS members $15; nonmembers $30
In the field workshop, we will visit a stream to practice monitoring techniques and to collect and identify the benthic macroinvertebrates we find.
How to Read Your Stream
Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Thursday, September 28 (7-9:30 pm)
ANS members $15; nonmembers $30
Learn about the influence of land uses on streams, stream character and dynamics, bank erosion, bar formation, substrate composition, different velocity-depth regimes, and the importance of riffles and riparian vegetation.
Know Your Invasive Plants
Woodend Sanctuary (Teale), Chevy Chase, MD
Saturday, September 23 (9:30 am-12 pm)
ANS members $15; nonmembers $30
Invasive plants that kill or bring down mature trees can seriously alter stream health and ecosystem function. Learn to identify non-native invasive plants at Woodend and in nearby Rock Creek Park.
*these classes are recommended for those who want to join ANS’ Water Quality Monitoring Program. Learn more at our website, or check out our new blog post on our stream health results from the last five years!
