Students find benthic macroinvertebrates to identify and count as part of an ongoing creek biomonitoring program.
Biomonitoring Program
The Biomonitoring Program works with high school students to study stream ecology and focus on a single creek, evaluating watershed health through physical, chemical, and biological assessments. The program builds on our Watershed Explorers Program and Suisun Marsh Watershed Education Program, but also stands alone.
A student seeks out a Secchi disc (turbidity test). Participants leave the program understanding:
- the relationship between stream ecology and water quality;
- the extent of local water quality issues and ways to improve surface water quality;
- the value of citizen and community science and habitat restoration in watershed management;
- professional opportunities in the field of environmental science.
Offered in two sessions (March-April or April-May), this intensive, hands-on program includes two classroom presentations on stream ecology and watersheds, macroinvertebrate identification, and data interpretation. Students also participate in a field trip to a local creek, during which they collect chemical and physical data on the site, as well as collect and identify macroinvertebrates to aid in a biological assessment of the waterway.
For more information on Biomonitoring, please contact program manager Sierra Cecchini at
The Biomonitoring Program is funded by:
Cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, Vallejo · Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District · Solano County Dept of Resource Management · Solano County Orderly Growth Committee · Vallejo Flood & Wastewater District · Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation · Solano County Water Agency.
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