Beginning in 2012, chapter members have been sampling Apple Creek for macroinvertebrates at 2 sites one to two times a year. Sampling tools are dip nets and kick seines.
A diverse array of invertebrates has been recorded, especially those taxa (mayflies, caddis flies and stoneflies) sensitive to water pollutants. An assessment of macroinvertebrate diversity is used to calculate a pollution index of stream water quality . in Apple Creek. In all surveys at both sites, water quality has registered as excellent.
Macroinvertebrates in Apple Creek serve as a major food source for stocked trout and serve as indicators to fly fishermen what fly patterns can be successfully fished.
Click on pictures for a larger image and captions.
Getting ready to sample macroinvertebrates in Apple Creek.
Checking for bugs in a dip net sampler.
Positioning a kick seine in riffle water to sample invertebrates.
Kicking up gravel to catch invertebrates in the kick seine.
Getting heads together to separate invertebrates from a kick seine sample.
Kids love to be involved in sampling macroinvertebrates.
Even some who do not fish, love to sample the bugs.
Tray showing macroinvertebrates separated by taxa.
A dragonfly and two damsel fly nymphs.
A common caddis fly nymph in Apple Creek.
A big mayfly nymph from Apple Creek. Also that is a small scud next to the mayfly.
An Apple Creek stone fly. Caddis and mayflies are more abundant in the stream than stone flies.
A damsel fly nymph from Apple Creek. They are abundant clinging to underwater vegetation along the shore and show up in dip net samples.