August 8, 2025
This week’s main focus has been the assessment of macroinvertebrates in various streams throughout the watershed.
On Tuesday the whole crew set out together to collect macroinvertebrate samples from the stream below Linden Hill Pond. Senior staff guided newer staff in utilizing the CABIN protocol. By using a kicknet, macroinvertebrates are collected, then sorted into specimen jars for later analysis and identification. The sample area was measured, and sediment size recorded by measuring 100 pebbles to give a mean value. The embeddedness of the pebbles was also assessed.
In the afternoon, two teams were created, one to work on brushmats, and the other to assess the stream on Balaklava W.
Wednesday looked quite similar, with the team doing macroinvertebrate sampling along Balaklava E. , Old Town Road, and Route 13.
Thursday morning started off with macroinvertebrate sampling once again, first at Branch Rd., then at Maple plains. The team was quite excited to come across a bald eagle nest during sampling. Much like macroinvertebrates, bald eagles can also serve as bioindicators. Their presence not only suggests there is healthy forest habitat available, but also indicates that their ecosystem is relatively low in contaminants.
In the afternoon, two teams were formed. One team continued with macroinvertebrate sampling at Mill Rd., while the other worked on surveying bank swallows in Victoria and Cumberland Cove. Estuary surveys were also completed at a few select spots.
Friday, two teams were created. Team one surveyed macroinvertebrates, while team two tackled park maintenance. After lunch, various end of the week tasks were completed, including tidying the office and equipment, watering trees, and doing some trail maintenance at Tryon River Trail.
Love, SSWA
