Library EventTotally Tweens: Meet Some Macroinvertebrates

You’re probably familiar with crayfish and worms, but did you know there are over 320 other species of macroinvertebrates living in Iowa’s streams, lakes, and ponds? That number is pretty impressive compared to only 108 species of fish in Iowa. These tiny freshwater critters hide under rocks, vegetation, logs, mud, and many are also well-camouflaged, making it almost impossible to spot them. Commonly seen insects such as dragonflies, beetles, mayflies, and moths actually spend 90% of their life as aquatic larvae and are important food for many other animals! The diverse world of benthic macroinvertebrates is mysterious and unlike any other habitat. Streams and lakes can be chaotic and ever changing environments, presenting many challenges for the animals that live there.

Are you interested in stepping into the world of these tiny peculiar animals? Join Bur Oak Land Trust’s AmeriCorps education team, Lidija Stojanovic and Darcey Gans, for a fascinating creek investigation where you will: use nets to catch and identify all kinds of critters, discover how macroinvertebrates are used to determine water quality, and see how amphibians, fish, and aquatic insects work together to create a healthy ecosystem.

This program will take place at Turkey Creek Preserve, located at 2545 Sugar Bottom Rd. NE., Solon, IA 52333. This event will be offered three times during the course of the day; please only register for one event time. Please register one adult and 1-2 children for your group.
A limited number of groups of one adult and 1-2 children may register for each event. An adult chaperone is required to attend per 1-2 children you bring, but please only register and send one adult with the children - we are trying to limit group sizes for safety, but want as many children to be able to attend as possible with our limited number of spots. In order to ensure that all families who wish to participate are able to sign up, we ask that you consider your sign-up a firm commitment to attend, and communicate any cancellations as soon as possible. Email anne-wilmoth@icpl.org with questions.

This event is for children in grades 3-6 with one adult caregiver. Masks are required and must remain over both mouth and nose during the entire event. After the guided portion of the event is over, snacks to-go and water will be available, and you may explore the trails and enjoy the snack at a safe distance from others if you choose.