Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Workshop

What can the critters skating across the surface of a pond, darting back and forth under the surface, clinging to the rocks and burrowing in the muck tell us about the health of our waters? It turns out, a lot! Join us as we dip our nets into the Oxbow lake and find out who’s living there; from giant dragonfly larvae to tiny freshwater clams and everything in between. We’ll have a chance to investigate them up close and personal, and find out how they can teach us how clean our rivers and lakes are, without saying a word! No fancy scientific equipment required (although we will use some, just for fun.) Come prepared to get your hands dirty, your feet wet, and your brain tickled as you dive into a whole watery world of all-too-often overlooked invertebrates. You’ll discover why they’re so important to our farm and our ecosystem, and how you can use them to help you measure pollution and even fight off disease-carrying mosquitoes in your own backyard. Who knows – you might even make a new best bug friend!

This workshop is intended for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Kent Chapple was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest (Portland, OR), and has over 14 years of experience developing and delivering environmental education and science programming. Kent earned his BS in Biology from Southern Oregon University and his Masters in Education from the University of California Santa Cruz. He has a passion for curriculum development and has implemented various best practices for science education, including the Next Generation Science Standards that we use as a reference point for OxEd programs. Kent likes things that start with “B,” such as boats, bikes, books, blueberries, beets, and being on and around water. He also loves to geek out on often-overlooked invertebrates and learn the stories of places (new and familiar), their people, and their more-than-human inhabitants.

PRICING

We strive to create accessible learning and connection opportunities for our whole community.

Community Supported Price: $5

Standard Price: $10

Community Supporter Price: $15

All workshop participants are required to register.

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