Anglers bring kids into cast of conservation experts

WATERSHEDS — While preparing my Sunday Outdoors story on the Trout in the Classroom program at Spokane County Schools, I was inspired by the men and women who helped teach the youngsters about fish, water and watersheds — not to mention some tips on how to cast a fly line.

One of the coolest stations was the session on macro invertebrates headed by Brook Beeler of the Department of Ecology.  Here’s something to keep in mind:

CANARIES IN A FISH POND

Macro invertebrates (aquatic insects) are bio-indicators that help scientists assess water quality by surveying abundance of certain species based on their tolerance for water pollution. Examples:

Highly tolerant: Aquatic worms, leeches ØModerately tolerant: Dragonfly nymphs ØSuper intolerant: caddis flies, mayflies (and stoneflies in rivers)

Moderately tolerant: Dragonfly nymphs

Super intolerant: caddis flies, mayflies (and stoneflies in rivers)