Stream Science Classes at Audubon Naturalist Society
For 25 years, ANS has been teaching the natural history of aquatic ecology and training volunteer stream monitors who track the health of our region’s streams. Learn from the experts: study stream science in our introductory classes, and you just might be inspired to become a stream monitor yourself! Our advanced classes are perfect for those interested in deepening their knowledge about biological stream monitoring and are taught by our Maryland Biological Stream Survey-certified instructor Cathy Wiss. Our classes are great for fly fishermen, citizen science program or team leaders, aquatic resource biologists, and anyone interested in monitoring and understanding stream health. 
Registration & Fee Information
Registration required. The classes are open to anyone 10 years and older.
Prices for all classes are $15 Members/$25 non-members. Learn more and register at anshome.org/stream-science-classes/.
 
Introduction to Stream Science Series
Healthy Stream Biology Classroom Session – Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD (7-9:30 pm); Thursday, January 25 (Section A) & Thursday, March 15 (Section B) (Both sections A & B cover the same material)
In the classroom, we will explore how “benthic macroinvertebrates” — organisms that live in the bottom of our streams – help us assess the streams’ health. We will learn how to identify these organisms to the taxonomic level of order through a PowerPoint presentation and by examining preserved specimens through a hands-on session with microscopes.
Field Workshop (Ten Mile Creek, Boyds, MD) – Saturday, March 17 (9:30 am – noon)
In the field workshop, we will visit a stream to practice monitoring techniques and to collect and identify the benthic macroinvertebrates we find.
How to Read Your Stream – Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD; Thursday, April 5 (7-9:30 pm)
Learn about the influence of land uses on streams, stream character and dynamics, bank erosion, bar formation, substrate composition, different velocity-depth regimes, and the importance of riffles and riparian vegetation.
 
Advanced Series: Aquatic Insect Family ID**
Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD (7-9:30 pm)
Session A: Beetles, Megaloptera & Water Bugs – Thursday, February 1
Session B: Caddisflies & Aquatic Moths – Thursday, February 8
Session C: Dragonflies, Damselflies & True Flies – Thursday, February 15
Session D: Mayflies – Thursday, February 22
Session E: Stoneflies & Review – Thursday, March 1
Learn how to identify aquatic insects to the taxonomic level of family through this series of five classes. Identification to family level greatly enhances our understanding of stream ecology and the power of our monitoring data.
 
Learn more about our Stream Science Classes and register atanshome.org/stream-science-classes/.