![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63a0b547dd4a0968f4ea4dbc/da436cea-5d2f-4b60-b12e-cec946c23740/vsmp-2022-i-1-10-19-22-creditpavloski6_orig.jpg)
Stream Monitoring
Upcoming Events
Stream Monitoring Collection: October 9, 11am-3pm
*Collection Rain Date: October 16, 11am-3pm
Stream Monitoring Identification, October 23, 11am-1pm
All of our upcoming events are listed on our Events page
What is MiCorps?
The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) is a network of volunteers going out to gather water quality data from streams, rivers, and lakes. This data is then compiled and shared with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to help determine best management practices and protection programs for areas of concern.
Eaton Conservation District is partnered with The University of Olivet to participate in the stream monitoring program, monitoring the quality of our streams through the populations of macroinvertebrates found in the area.
Our Goals
The Eaton County Collaborative Stream Monitoring Program was established through Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) grants and operates in partnership between The University of Olivet and Eaton Conservation District. The monitoring program consists of sites in Eaton County within the Upper Thornapple River watershed. The design of the monitoring program focuses on cooperative learning and building relationships between volunteer community scientists and students. Through this collaborative structure, the program is designed for longevity in collecting macroinvertebrate and habitat data throughout the county each fall and spring, and aims to achieve the following outcomes:
Provide new and continuous macroinvertebrate collection and habitat assessment data that will assist in assessing the success of any restoration projects and updating the watershed management plan;
Educate and collaboratively engage Eaton County residents, students, and other stakeholders in monitoring, upholding quality, and protecting water resources; and
Identify or verify problem areas where degradation has occurred and where future remediation efforts or best management practices can be implemented.
![three people looking at a tray with macroinvertebrates in it. Microscope to the side and taxidermized cat in the back](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63a0b547dd4a0968f4ea4dbc/f8704abb-b3da-47e7-961f-7430783c7319/vsmp-2022-i-1-11-7-22-creditpavloski11.jpg)
![10 people sitting in a group with tables between them and two at a table talking. some phones on the tables](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63a0b547dd4a0968f4ea4dbc/08f897cc-097d-458d-9455-ad294fa5eb63/vsmp-2022-i-1-10-19-22-creditpavloski1.jpg)
![guy with bucket hat looking into net while in the stream](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63a0b547dd4a0968f4ea4dbc/dc513e35-fb87-4d49-8c15-5242f2954e60/watershed2.5.jpg)
![Three people in the stream, one wearing brown/black plaid. guy looking into net while other is holding tub while in the stream.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63a0b547dd4a0968f4ea4dbc/dd419cac-5dfd-4228-a13a-2e8009e98c9f/vsmp-2022-i-1-10-19-22-creditpavloski2_orig+%282%29.jpg)
![6 people picking in the tubs for macroinvertebrates while talking and some are wearing waders.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63a0b547dd4a0968f4ea4dbc/e594b573-a292-4d49-95ab-5e93de553f14/vsmp-2022-i-1-10-19-22-creditpavloski8.jpg)
![Three people in the stream, one wearing brown/black plaid. guy looking into net while other is holding tub while in the stream. one has a red sweatshirt on](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/63a0b547dd4a0968f4ea4dbc/d979b1f1-d20b-4d0a-8f0a-94e6e80102ba/vsmp-2022-i-1-10-19-22-creditpavloski4_orig.jpg)