Beneath the water’s surface, a bizarre and bewildering collection of critters is hard at work breaking down leaf litter, grazing on algae, and providing food for fish like Brook Trout. In fact, many lures and flies used by anglers imitate insects like mayflies, stoneflies and dragonflies, and what’s more, the presence of certain species can be an indicator of excellent water and habitat quality! Using nets, viewing containers, and magnifying glasses at a stream-side station, we’ll provide a close-up view of a variety of amazing insects while highlighting their adaptations for living in a very challenging environment.

We’ll contribute our observations to the Wild Lyme iNaturalist Project to document biodiversity inhabiting Lyme’s protected areas. This program is co-sponsored by the Eightmile River Watershed Coordinating Committee.