2023 Benthic Monitoring

2023 Benthic Monitoring (bugs in the mud)

A biologist from The District Municipality of Muskoka is coming to Wood Lake on the morning of Sunday July 9th to once again conduct benthic invertebrate sampling.

Benthic invertebrates (or ‘bugs in the mud’) are organisms that live in the sediment of rivers, streams & lakes and are indicators of water quality because of their sensitivity to pollutants. These bottom-dwelling critters can provide an “early warning detection” of degrading water quality. This will be the third sampling at Wood Lake in this program, and the results over time will help us better understand the health of the lake.

The biologist will need some help sorting through all the samples she collects. You do not have to have any experience to participate because a simple guide and equipment will be provided. Sample sorting will likely take 2-3 hours and will take place on the lawn in front of Caribou Lodge. Refreshments will be provided. As a bonus, any high-school aged kids can have the hours counted towards their graduation requirement!

If you are interested in taking part on the morning of Jul 8th at Caribou Lodge, then please email Aileen at environment@wood-lake.ca to get timing details.

Thanks to all the volunteers who donate their time and properties for collecting and sorting samples!