Effects of Stream Restoration on Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity

Abstract

By Brandon Anson, Biological Sciences; Jazz Vaughn, Biology; Colin Hoerth, Biology

Advisor: Kenneth Petren

Presentation ID: 188

Abstract: Streams in urban environments are subject to ecological degradation like the installation of impervious surfaces such as pavement and rooftops. The Mill Creek watershed flows through multiple areas in the Greater Cincinnati area, and the health of the stream is significant and correlated to the health of the people who live in those communities. At one time, the Mill Creek was the most polluted and physically degraded stream in the U.S. The Twin Creek wetland preserve is a stream a part of the Mill Creek and has undergone restoration efforts since 2011. The main approach for restoration has been to install seven stream riffles to control the flow of the stream during storms, preventing flooding, along with creating more habitat for macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrate biodiversity is a common benchmark used to assess the health of the stream. Our goal was to determine, with the use of standard methods, if the inclusion of the rifflies affected the population size of the macroinvertebrate in the stream.