If you’ve stepped foot into or around a freshwater ecosystem within Northeastern Pennsylvania, you’ve shared a space with an incredible specimen formally known as a macroinvertebrate: the tiny but mighty specimen responsible for maintaining the health of our aquatic environments.

Small Species, Powerful Impact

For anyone with a generalized interest in entomology, along with the avid fly-fisherman awaiting the perfect “hatch”, aquatic insects like the beloved Mayfly are an exciting visual.  Although their life span feels momentary, the appearance of these small specimens is greatly valued.  Not only does their presence represent the beginning of NEPA’s warmer season, but the appearance of the Mayfly exhibits a strong sign of overall stream health.

What are macroinvertebrates?

By formal definition, Macroinvertebrates are any animal lacking a backbone that are large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope. These cold-blooded creatures can be aquatic or terrestrial, and are extremely versatile in appearance. Included under this umbrella term are many different, (yet familiar) organisms, all of which hold great importance to our freshwater ecosystems.

“Macros” you may know

• Freshwater Crustaceans: crayfish, shrimp
• Annelids (segmented worms): common earthworms and leeches
• Mollusks: freshwater mussels, slugs and snails
• Odonates: dragonflies and damselflies
• Other Aquatic Insects: mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, dobsonflies and water striders

Why are they important?

Macroinvertebrates play an important role in maintaining NEPA’s freshwater ecosystem health. They are considered a bioindicator, meaning their presence (or absence), provide significant insight into the overall health of a body of water and its surroundings. A drastic change in macro population can be a telltale sign of the decrease in water quality within an area.  “They serve as a vital food source for fish and other aquatic organisms and are essentially the glue that connects plants, algae, and fish in an aquatic ecosystem,” states Kathryn Bartling, Watershed Project Coordinator of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

Identifying local macroinvertebrates

Whether you’re hiking through a popular preserve, wading through a wild trout stream, or enjoying Pennsylvania’s other vast waterways, you’re more than likely to cross paths with at least one type of macroinvertebrate.

Here are a few favorite places to find them:

Situated on the property of North Branch Land Trust’s George & Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary are two scenic ponds, which are host to freshwater mussels, dragonflies, and rare damselflies.

Moon Lake State Forest Recreational Area in Luzerne County boasts an incredible 48-acre spring-fed lake, which is easily accessible and crystal clear, (perfect for identifying and examining specimens.)

Rickett’s Glenn State Park is teeming with an abundance of macroinvertebrates.  With over 20 free-flowing waterfalls and lush greenery, there is no shortage of diverse organisms. Next time you’re strolling amongst Kitchen Creek, turn over a rock. Chances are you will discover a nymph or two!

Would you like to learn more about macroinvertebrates?

Join Us!

North Branch Land Trust, in partnership with Master Watershed Stewards, is excited to host a “Paddle & Pour” event, this Saturday, June 21st  at the Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry’s Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area. Participants will search for macroinvertebrates and learn more about their role in water quality monitoring. We encourage guests to bring their own watercraft to paddle Moon Lake. After the event, join us at Pisano Family Winery. This event is FREE to all who wish to participate. For more information, or to RSVP, visit www.NBLT.org/events.

North Branch Land Trust partners with landowners, communities, and stakeholders to conserve and care for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s lands and waters. Please visit us at www.NBLT.org.

Featured image (top) courtesy of Brittany Lynn via North Branch Land Trust.