Each fall, dozens of volunteers gather important water quality information by collecting, sorting, and identifying underwater bugs from small streams in eastern Connecticut. Through this program, called, “Riffle Bioassessments for Volunteers (RBV),” we can learn a lot about water quality in these fragile stream environments by knowing what bugs live in the water. Some of these bugs, primarily stone flies, may flies and caddis flies (trout food!), have a low tolerance for pollution, so when you find lots of different kinds in a stream, then you know that water quality is good. 

If you like to go on outdoor treasure hunts, sign up to learn more about the RBV program! Jean Pillo, The Last Green Valley’s Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator, will present a class about the RBV program, followed by an actual stream sampling experience. You can choose between two free training opportunities: Sept. 8 at the USDA Service Center, 238 West Town St., Norwich; or Sept. 9 at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret. Both programs will run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Preregistration is required by calling 860-928-4948 ext. 605, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Once trained, new volunteers will be paired up with experienced team leaders to sample bugs from assigned streams. Results from previous years’ collecting, including a link to an interactive map, can be viewed online at www.ct.gov/deep/rbv.