We are wrapping up our Fall 2025 survey season – sign up now to stay up to date on Spring volunteer opportunities!

Macroinvertebrate survey volunteers will:

  • Assist with 2 or more 1 1/2 hr surveys throughout the survey season (September – November)
  • Work with students 6th-11th grade in an outdoor setting
  • Answer questions about macroinvertebrate collection methods
  • Assist students with collecting their macroinvertebrate samples from the creek or impoundment
  • Help students to identify macroinvertebrates using provided dichotomous keys and ID books
  • Help to keep data sheets and equipment organized during the survey

Previous experience with macroinvertebrate identification, stream surveys and environmental education is not required, but is always helpful!

Volunteer Training: Spring 2026 : Learn macroinvertebrate survey protocols and common macroinvertebrates in the Pacific Northwest!

Register to Volunteer

Milwaukie High School students identify macroinvertebrates from samples collected in the Kellogg Impoundment.

Here are some things to consider when deciding if this is the right volunteer opportunity for you:

  • Macroinvertebrate surveys will be outside, rain or shine, and require navigating uneven terrain and potentially muddy slopes
  • All survey sites are within walking distance (5-10 minutes) from the schools. Volunteers may choose to meet with the class at the campus, or at the survey site depending on what is most convenient.
  • Survey sites in the Kellogg Impoundment and at the confluence of Kellogg Creek and the Willamette River are located close to public transit and along bike routes. Upstream survey sites along Kellogg Creek are a 20 minute walk from the Orange Line. Depending on survey schedules, ride sharing may be possible for this site.
  • Assisting with in-stream data collection is not a requirement but is definitely helpful! If you are comfortable with working in the creek and impoundment, we have waders available to borrow.
  • Surveys take place on weekdays, and typically go for the length of a class period (1-2 hours). There are often multiple surveys on any given day, and volunteers are welcome to sign up for as many surveys on a given day as they would like.
  • In general, we try to stick to the survey schedules as much as possible, but do keep in mind that school scheduling changes and other unforeseen circumstances may cause shifts in the survey schedule.
  • We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 3 surveys throughout the survey season, those could be all on one day, or spread out throughout the season!

If you have any questions, reach out to Peyton, at peyton@ncwatersheds.org.