Macroinvertebrate Sampling Workshop! This regional effort trains adults (17+) in biological water quality monitoring methods for use at sites in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey & Mitchell Counties.
Stream pollution is expensive to measure in a lab and can vary greatly over time. Aquatic invertebrates (bugs, snails, crayfish, worms, etc.) live in the water and have different levels of tolerances to pollution and habitat disturbance. They are commonly used by scientists to assess stream conditions.
Date & Time: Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 9 am to 4 pm
Location: UNC-Asheville and nearby stream
No experience necessary!
This workshop will consist of a morning lab session at UNC-Asheville followed by a stream-side field session at the Big Ivy River. Topics include: basic stream ecology, how to report water quality problems, identifying aquatic insects, stream sampling skills, and why this community science data can help preserve our rivers.
Volunteer Expectations: If we convince you that these bugs are amazing and it's fun to splash in creeks for the good of our rivers, we would LOVE for you to help us sample our monitoring sites each spring and fall. We sample 50 sites, mostly in Buncombe, Madison, & Haywood Counties. It's a great activity for friends or partners, since you spend a couple hours catching bugs and chatting together at each site.
All supplies will be provided by EQI, including waders.
This is a free event. EQI appreciates donations of $10-20 to help ensure the SMIE program can continue for years to come, but it's not necessary!
Any questions or concerns? Contact us at staff@eqilab.org or ask with this form. We will be emailing all participants with more specific information about where to meet, driving instructions, what to bring, etc. prior to the event. You can also find information about the program at https://eqilab.org/.
We hope to see you on the 4th!!!
