The mayfly is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that has been around longer than the dinosaurs, serving as an indicator of clean and unpolluted water. But what happens after the mayfly nymph leaves the safety and familiarity of the water?

Citizen Science is a participatory approach to environmental research where participants learn about local green spaces by contributing collected scientific data to real studies. Typically organized or managed by professional scientists, the collection of crowdsourced data sets are utilized to both gain a better understanding of the world around us, and answer practical and pressing questions.

Fresh water is the cornerstone of life everywhere. It’s necessary to keep our bodies healthy and thriving, and is an integral part of our well-being and happiness.

The true bug is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that will undergo incomplete metamorphosis involving the following phases: the egg, the nymph stage, and the adult stage.

The midge is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that goes through a complete metamorphosis, involving the complete four stages of the life cycle; the egg, larval, pupal, and the adult stage.

The aquatic earthworm is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that reproduces asexually and sexually. Today we will explore the mystery behind the aquatic earthworm and its life as a benthic dweller.

The Sow bug is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that will undergo incomplete metamorphosis involving the following phases: the egg, the nymphal stage, and the adult stage.

The roundworm is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate with a diverse and complex life that can last anywhere from two days to over a year.

The aquatic mite is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that will undergo incomplete metamorphosis involving the following phases: the egg, the nymphal stage, and the adult stage.

The hydra is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that will use its stinging cells to stun, entangle, or kill its prey before consuming it.

Glen Stewart Ravine is another great example of a green gem hidden within the bustling city limits of Toronto.

The clam is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that in most cases will undergo metamorphosis involving larval, juvenile and adult stages.

This Spring EcoSpark is launching a new project called School Watch: Green Spaces as Learning Places. School Watch allows students to contribute meaningful citizen science data while learning about ecosystem health and positive actions in the community. To celebrate Spring, try the native plant activity (below) featured in School Watch!

When thinking about the early signs of springs you might think about American robins, red-winged blackbirds, daffodils or crocuses - but let’s not forget about our amphibian friends.

The leech is a fascinating benthic macroinvertebrate that can be a carnivore, detritivore but most often, parasite.

Miscellaneous true flies are fascinating benthic macroinvertebrates that go through a complete metamorphosis, involving the four stages of the life cycle; egg, larval, pupal, and adult stage.

Phragmites australis, also known as Phragmites or Common reed is a prolific invader of wetlands, and has been deemed one of the worst invaders by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada1. Keep reading to learn more about Phragmites and how EcoSpark can help you fight invasive species.

A few months ago my class took a field trip to a small part of the Credit River to do a stream assessment. The workshop took place at The Riverwood Conservancy. I must say I was pretty excited.

Birds: They pollinate, eat mosquitos, spread seeds, poop fertilizer… oh yeah, and they’re dinosaurs. They are a fascinating way to get your feet wet in the wonderful world of citizen science. Read on to learn just some of the reasons why birds are awesome, and how you can help them!

Now that you have finished your stream study get active in your local schools and communities and try out some of these cool projects.