The largest macroinvertebrate monitoring citizen science program in Australia.
Twice a year, community members and scientists come together to test for waterbugs at six sites along the Bellinger and Kalang catchments.
Bellingen Riverwatch
Macro Muster 6
Now calling for ‘Macro Helpers’
Join in the biggest macroinvertebrate monitoring program in Australia and meet the amazing little creatures that call these rivers home!
We are trying to build the Macro Muster into an event that, not only gathers biannual macro data useful for the protection of these rivers, but also, over time, connects thousands of young people from this area with these incredible rivers and inspires the next generation of earth stewards!
We are currently calling for people 14+ to register as ‘Macro Helpers’ and attend a training session and dinner on :
Wed 22 May, 3.45pm-7.30pm (Bellingen Showground)(14+)
and then volunteer at the Community Count + Dinner on Wednesday 23rd October at the Bellingen Showground from 3.45pm-8pm (14+).
What are Macroinvertebrates?
Freshwater macroinvertebrates (or waterbugs) are small invertebrates that live in freshwater and can be seen with the naked eye or a hand magnifier. These include juvenile stages of many insects like dragonflies, damselflies, mayflies, caddisflies, water beetles, and more.
Each type of waterbug has a certain sensitivity to pollution or water quality changes in their waterway. So, the type and number of bugs found in a waterway, can tell you how healthy it is.
We invite you to be a part of Macro Muster 6!
There are two volunteer roles to choose from :
Helper
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A HELPER is a community member who helps others sort, count and identify waterbugs at a Muster.
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The HELPER role is suitable for people aged 14+ with a keen interest in science.
Identifying, writing and counting and assisting others is involved. You do not have to be a scientist or have a background in science.
All HELPERS require a Working with Children Check.
HELPERS do not need to have attended a muster before (although so.e may have).
We are holding a special training event for Helpers on 22 May, 3.45pm-7.30pm.
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HELPERS attend our special ‘Helpers Count and Dinner’ on 22 May from 3.45pm-7.30pm.
Following this, we ask Helpers to register for as many of the following events as they are able to assist at :
High School Day | 23 May 10am-1.30pm (18+)
Primary Day | 23rd Oct 10am-1.30pm (18+)
Community Count + Dinner | 24th Oct 3.45-8pm (14+)
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Register as a HELPER at the link below.
Tester
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A TESTER is a community member who :
Hasn’t been to a macro muster before.
Has been to a muster before, and enjoys testing themselves but doesn’t want to become a HELPER (a person who helps other people at a muster).
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The TESTER position is suitable for people aged 8+ with a keen interest in science.
All under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Identifying, writing and counting is involved.
There are no prerequisites.
You do not have to be a scientist or have a background in science.
You do not have to have attended a muster before.
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We don’t have any sessions open for testers as yet.
We are currently onlyEcalling for HELPERS.
Subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll let yu know as soon as registrations open for testers.
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Helpers ad Teachers sort the whole sample (all buckets) (30 min)
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Helpers identify all waterbugs, teachers verify (90 min)
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Catered dinner.
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Sharing learnings with aircasting.
Feedback forms.
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Macro Muster 6 Helpers Count + Dinner Itinerary
A fun event to connect with family and friends!
Helpers - suitable for 14+
Testers - suitable for people aged 8+, under 14s must register with an accompanying adult.
Collecting Volunteers hold an important role
Our collecting volunteers sample 6 sites the day before the muster and bring the samples to the event to be tested by the community.
Collecting Volunteers are assigned a site and head out to their site the day of the Helpers Count + Dinner (Wednesday 22nd May 2024) with nets, waders and buckets to collect a waterbug sample.
Collectors hold an important role in the program. It is important that we obtain comparable and accurate samples.
As such, those new to the collecting role are paired up with experienced collecting volunteers who help them use the correct techniques.
Our Macro Muster 6 Teachers (so far!)
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Nakia Belmer
Macro Teacher
Scientist - Estuaries and Catchments, Science Division, Department of Planning and Environment
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Justine Elder
Macro Teacher
River and Biodiversity Officer, Bellingen Shire Council
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Nic Denshire
Macro Teacher
Bellingen Riverwatch Volunteer
Image : Paul Fahy
Our macro program was requested by the scientists supporting the recovery of the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle.
“The ongoing recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle in the Bellinger Catchment is linked directly to the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of the catchment’s rivers. Not only are aquatic macroinvertebrates an important component of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle diet, the macroinvertebrate communities are sensitive to changes in water quality and will, therefore, be an important indicator of river health into the future.”
Questions?
Contact Amy with any questions about the Helpers Count + Dinner or about the Muster in general.
