Mayfly Data Logger Deployed in Bear Creek - July 2019
The Mayfly Data Logger was developed by Shannon Hicks of the Stroud Water Research Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With the help of Trout Unlimited, the Mayfly Data Logger was deployed in Bear Creek thanks to grants and donors in support of watershed education. Visit https://monitormywatershed.org/sites/BearCT/
Macroinvertibrate Sampling
Cannon Township is dedicated to a long-term study of the macroinvertebrates in Bear Creek. By collecting and counting the "bugs" in
the stream, and sorting them into groups based on how sensitive to pollution they are, we can catch a glimpse of the creek's health. We are always seeking volunteers who would like to be a part of our stream study. Volunteering for macroinvertibrate sampling consists of setting aside a morning in the fall or in the spring to go out to one of the designated Bear Creek sites to collect these aquatic creatures from the various types of habitat, then identify and count to give the site a water quality score.
You do not need to have knowledge of stream life or macro-invertebrates! Just a desire to learn about stream health and a desire to take a proactive stance in watershed health. This is a fun learning opportunity for all ages.
Please contact Tricia Anderson at 884-2206 or email at tanderson@cannontwp.org if you are interested in learning more about the watershed or ways to reduce your impact on the watershed!
Rain Gardens
What is a rain garden? It is a special kind of garden designed to collect and infiltrate storm water that results from run off from impervious surfaces (such as houses, driveways, and any surface that doesn't let water filter through), thus reduces or eliminates run off from entering storm drains or places where it shouldn't be accumulating. Rain gardens also filter pollutants from the run off, and as a bonus, they are an attractive part of a landscape design! From a practical standpoint, rain gardens cost less to operate than a storm drain system, keep polluted runoff out of our streams and lakes, they are beautiful to look at and cultivate native insects, birds and wildlife. By installing this rain garden at Cannon Township Center, we hope to educate our citizens about the benefits of rain gardens. And we hope developers will visit the garden and appreciate the value of rain gardens in future projects.
If you're interested in having your property assessed to see if a rain garden could be a storm water solution, contact a representative from the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds!
https://www.lgrow.org/rainscaping
The photos below show some plants that would be chosen for a rain garden because of their root structure and hardiness in Michigan's climate. They are native to Michigan, and attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees!
 Bee Balm |
 Marsh Blazing Star |
 Sand Coreopsis |
 Wild Blue Indigo |
 Orange Butterfly Weed |
 Purple Cone Flower |
Office
Dept