-
The Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation conducted biomonitoring of the Tippecanoe River and numerous tributaries throughout the watershed last week. Mr. Bollman’s fifth grade students from North Webster Elementary School had a hands-on opportunity to learn about the water quality and biology of the river right next to their school. Scientists from Commonwealth Biomonitoring of Greenwood conducted the survey using a backpack shocker to collect fish from the river. Lyn Crighton, executive director of watershed foundation, assisted with collection and identification. The fish community, as well as the macroinvertebrate community (including aquatic insects), provide living proof of the water quality within a river or stream’s ecosystem, according to Crighton. Pictured is student Lily Crighton (C) handing a longperch darter to student Noa Horn. The Tippecanoe Watershed Foundation works to protect and improve water quality in the lakes and streams that make up the headwaters of the Tippecanoe River. Biomonitoring is conducted every four to five years for the last 14 years to gauge improvement to water quality and to identify potential problem areas. The results will be published in a research report later this fall and will be available at www.TippecanoeWatershed.org
