NPS
Parks in America’s heartland protect free-flowing rivers, mighty springs, and meandering prairie streams. An awesome variety of fish, reptiles, insects and plants live in these waterways. People float, fish, and find solace here. Yet, pollutants from growing cities and farms, treated sewage, and erosion degrade water quality and harm the plants and animals living there. NPS scientists stand guard by monitoring aquatic invertebrates, the insect larvae and nymphs living in stream beds. Some species can survive poor water quality, while others require pristine conditions. Aquatic invertebrates serve as the “canary in the coal mine” for overall stream health.
Right Image: Monitoring area of a creek.
NPS-Photos
Monitoring Questions & Approach
- Invertebrate diversity tells us how a river changes over time.
- We find out what species are present and how abundant they are. We then rate how tolerant they are to pollution. This information helps us estimate water quality condition of streams.
- We collect habitat data that helps us determine how the stream changes over time.
- Data on stream invertebrates helps us assess impacts of development and pollution in the watershed.
Monitoring Updates
Showing results 1-10 of 11
- Locations: Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
- Offices: Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network
Fish and aquatic invertebrate communities can tell us a lot about the health of streams. We monitor the aquatic community in Hoover Creek at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site to help managers understand the condition of the creek and how it may be changing. Most of the fish and aquatic invertebrates in Hoover Creek are tolerant or moderately tolerant of poor water quality and habitat conditions.
- Locations: Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Offices: Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network
Monitoring data from 2008 to 2017 show that Dousman Creek at Effigy Mounds National Monument is in fair to good condition. However, the habitat and aquatic community is changing because of flood events and upstream water management practices. The creek is supporting more aquatic species that are tolerant of environmental changes in recent years. We use information about aquatic community composition to assess water quality and stream condition.
- George Washington Carver National Monument
Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring at George Washington Carver National Monument
- Locations: George Washington Carver National Monument
The types of aquatic invertebrates living in a stream can tell us about stream water quality conditions. Some invertebrates can live in poor-quality water, while others need cleaner water to survive. We monitor aquatic invertebrates at streams in George Washington Carver National Monument to understand status and trends in water quality.
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
- Locations: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
The water quality in Wilson's Creek has improved since the 1960s, but urbanization still threatens streams in the park. We monitor aquatic invertebrates at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield to understand water quality conditions in streams. They provide an early warning system for potential water quality problems. Some invertebrates can live in poor-quality water, while others need cleaner water to survive.
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
- Locations: Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
An important part of tallgrass prairies is stream health. Scientists track aquatic invertebrates to assess water quality.
- Pipestone National Monument
Aquatic Invertebrate Community Monitoring at Pipestone National Monument
- Locations: Pipestone National Monument
Aquatic invertebrates, the insect larvae, worms, crayfish and other invertebrates living in a creek tell managers much about stream health.
- Pea Ridge National Military Park
Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring at Pea Ridge National Military Park
- Locations: Pea Ridge National Military Park
Scientists track aquatic invertebrates to assess water quality. Invertebrates include insect larvae, worms, crayfish, and other animals without backbones.
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring at Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- Locations: Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a magical place where more than 425 springs flow from the ground. The largest, Big Spring, gushes enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in about two minutes.
- Hot Springs National Park
Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring at Hot Springs National Park
- Locations: Hot Springs National Park
In 2015, scientists found many species that are intolerant to poor water quality, which shows these streams currently are in good condition.
- Homestead National Historical Park
Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring at Homestead National Historical Park
- Locations: Homestead National Historical Park
Scientists track aquatic invertebrates to assess water quality. Invertebrates include insect larvae, worms, snails, crayfish, and other animals without backbones. Many invertebrates live in the stream for months. This exposes them to changing water quality conditions over time.
Included below are our most recent publications and related documents. For a full list visit the Data Store.
Source: Data Store Collection 3745. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Source: Data Store Collection 4450. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Last updated: December 20, 2024