This interactive workshop invites Society for Freshwater Science (SFS) members and local community participants to explore stream ecosystems together. By connecting scientists and residents through shared, hands-on learning, the event strengthens both ecological understanding and community relationships essential to watershed resilience.

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You’ll work along professional scientists to use kick nets, sorting trays, and microscopes to collect and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates—key indicators of stream health and ecosystem function. Through guided discussion, participants will connect what they see under the microscope to broader themes of water quality, habitat connectivity, and watershed management. There will also be an opportunity to deliver the workshop in Spanish, depending on the language preferences and backgrounds of the participants.

For scientists, the workshop offers a chance to practice accessible, engaging science communication and build meaningful local connections, with an opportunity to translate science into relatable concepts. For community members, it provides a welcoming, tangible introduction to freshwater ecology and the role of research in sustaining healthy watersheds, while gaining practical skills for community science initiatives and environmental monitoring. These skills would thereby strengthen their abilities for local advocacy and stewardship.

By creating space for mutual learning and dialogue, Exploring Streams Together advances SFS’s mission of linking science, education, and community action to build resilient watersheds and the communities that depend on them.

What to bring: Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, etc.) is recommended. If possible, it would be helpful if you could bring your own disinfected rubber boots or waders/wading boots.  Participants are also encouraged to bring along their own drinks and snacks for the day.