Our summer macroinvertebrate survey of the Little Falls Creek discovered only 8 species which gives the creek a poor rating for its biological health. The Summer macroinvertebrate count is part of our water quality monitoring program. We survey the creek 4 times a year to learn about its biological health.
Two-Lined Salamander and More: Spring Stream Monitoring
Our stream monitoring team was thrilled to find a two-lined salamander at their spring monitoring session, April 21! This little salamander lays her eggs in the creek on the rocks and pebbles. While they are native to the area, we don’t see many in the creek because their habitat is frequently buried in the silt caused by eroding banks.
Stream Scores Poor in Fall Monitoring
Thanks to everyone for an efficient and productive Fall Monitoring. With a plethora of volunteers - there were 9 of us - we recorded 106 macro's. Watching small minnow mayflies take flight might have been the highlight of the day or possibly finding one Narrow Winged Damsel Fly (thanks to Averill!).
Little Falls Creek Fails Macro Test; Stream Rated Poor.
Muddy water and a broken water main were the highlights of the Fall stream monitoring last Saturday, October 22. No sooner had our volunteers started to sample than the water started to rise and turn muddy. A woman passing by told us that there had been a water main break at a construction site upstream from our spot. With only three-quarters of the nettings complete, we abandon the water for safer ground.
Stream Team Update: Spring Monitoring April 17
It was a beautiful day for being outside and LFWA’s Stream Monitoring team was excited to be in the water looking for the benthic macro-invertebrates that give us an indication of the health of the Little Falls Branch. The weather was beautiful; the results discouraging. We found only 8 different species of organisms - caddisfly larva, damsel fly nymph, sow bug, aquatic worms, black fly larvae, midges, minnow mayfly nymph, an Asian clam, and sow bugs - putting the creek on the upper end of “poor” for bio-diversity.