Author Archive

Interested in chasing storms?

The City of Ann Arbor is offering a unique opportunity for residents to participate in collecting needed data as part of the recently-launched Stormwater Model Calibration and Analysis project, which is the first step in evaluating and recommending improvements to the City’s stormwater system.  (Read more about the project here.)

As part of the City of Ann Arbor’s “Citizen Storm Corps,” you would be the eyes on the ground, recording and submitting visual observations from one or more of the Large Event Data Gathering (LEDG) locations where the City is monitoring surface flooding.  (See a map of LEDG locations here.)  “Large Events” is the technical term for a big rain storm!

Volunteering is easy, fun, and will not require much time.  If you can take a photo and use a map, you’re qualified!  The City anticipates that over the next few years, Storm Corps volunteers will be asked to submit observations 1-3 times after significant rain events – although more frequent participation would be most welcome, if you choose.

The City of Ann Arbor is hosting several orientation sessions for people who may be interested in serving as part of the Citizen Storm Corps:

• Tuesday, March 19: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library multipurpose room

• Tuesday, March 19: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Traverwood Library

• Thursday, March 21: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library multipurpose room

No need to RSVP – please feel free to join at your convenience during any of the above blocks of time (the actual orientation will only take about a half hour).  Also, please note that attending an orientation does not obligate you to participate – come by, check it out, and see what you think!

Finally, if you are not able to attend one of the sessions, but think you might be interested in volunteering in the Citizen Storm Corps, simply contact Jen Lawson at the City of Ann Arbor (734.794.6430 x43735, jlawson@a2gov.org). She will help you identify a convenient location, and orient you to the materials via phone or email.

January Stonefly Search; photo by John Lloyd

Saturday turned out to be a lovely day for HRWC’s Stonefly Search. 110 volunteers returned safely from the field after successfully accomplishing their mission. These hardy souls endured the snow, enjoyed the sun (briefly), had fun breaking through the ice, and learned about the Huron and the critters who live here. Interesting finds included a slumbering frog, mute swans, and Canada geese (not to mention lots and lots of insects). Look for a detailed report from Paul Steen regarding the Stonefly results. Until then, here is a bit of verse to paint a picture of how the day went for many…

 

 

Winter Stoneflies in Arctic Michigan

By Dave Wilson

 

We don our coats and boots, go forth to break the ice

In frigid, frosty weather that no one could say is nice

We flounder through the streams in search of a great prize

Taeniopterids and Capniids, precious winter stone flies

 

Winter stones are quite the thing

Though one surely might be wondering

How these tiny creatures could ever be so bold

As to live and thrive in this bitter winter cold

 

Paul tells us that in winter these critters really thrive

Cold water holds the oxygen to keep them all alive

And winter is helpful in another major way

The cold keeps fierce predators so very far away

 

Quite sensitive to any water pollution,

Winter stones provide a quick solution

If we find ‘em we can be sure

That the stream is sweet and pure

 

The critters are small and rather dark

In this frigid weather they have a lark

Scamper about in the ice and snow

There’s no other place for them to go

 

To ID them here’s what you do

Look for wingpads four and cerci two

Along the flanks no gills are found

And on each leg two claws astound

 

The ice is thick, the water chills,

With cold I’m fed up to the gills

But none could say that we are quitters

We’ll search ‘til we find those little critters

 

Believe me, I know whereof I speak

You’ll find out fast if your waders leak

One hears screams of pain from the bravest jocks

When that icy water hits their socks

 

Collectors and runners can stay in motion

Stay warmer thus, I have a notion

But picking requires that one stand still

Can be quite bleak, cause many a chill

 

Don’t go on ice unless waders you wear

If you’re not wearing waders your weight it won’t bear

If you should venture this dumb thing to do

I guarantee you’ll surely break through

 

Let me warn you right now; listen up and take heed

Bring twice the wraps you think that you’ll need

That usually turns out to be about right

So that you are not left in a piteous plight

 

A jug of warm water is always quite pleasing

Helps to keep that D-net from freezing

And stout rubber gloves keep collectors’ hands dry

Help a great deal when frostbite is nigh

 

On these trips a truly most gracious amenity

May help the participants keep some of their sanity

A big jug of cocoa sure hits the spot

Beloved by all if it’s nice and hot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Stonefly Search is Saturday, January 26, 2013. You’re invited to come on your own or bring a small team of friends and family for a unique wintertime activity in/on the Huron River.

As part of a long-term river study, each January, HRWC looks for “winter stoneflies,” which grow, feed, and find their mates in the coldest months when most fish are too sluggish to eat them. Stoneflies are very sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat. Like canaries in a coal mine, they tell researchers a lot about the health of the river.

Trained volunteer collectors take each team to two of HRWC’s 70 designated study sites throughout the Huron River system, where the group helps search through stones, leaves, and sediment taken from river bottoms. All equipment is provided. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. Volunteers meet in Ann Arbor and car pool to their assigned sites.

Participants must register to be assigned to a team. Children are welcome to attend but must bring their own adult.

DATE: Saturday, January 26, 2012

WHERE: Meet in Ann Arbor. Then car pool to two streams in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne and/or Washtenaw Counties.

WHEN: Two starting times: January 26, 2012 at 10:30AM or NOON. Takes 4 – 5 hours (2-3 hours outdoors).

DEADLINE: Registration closes on January 23, 2012.

TO REGISTER:

First time volunteers, please fill out both forms:

http://www.hrwc.org/volunteer/registration-for-first-time-volunteers

http://www.hrwc.org/volunteer/stonefly/stonefly-survey-registration/.

Returning volunteers, please fill out the registration form only:

http://www.hrwc.org/volunteer/stonefly/stonefly-survey-registration/.

MORE INFO: Please email Jason at jfrenzel@hrwc.org, or check out this article: http://www.annarbor.com/lifestyles/hrwcs-annual-winter-stonefly-search-a-chance-for-anglers-others-to-learn-about-stoneflies-and-stream/

Through the summer of 2012 Dave Wilson, Lee Burton, Janet Kahan, and Alison and Graham Battersby worked tirelessly to improve our education programming materials and lessons.

This autumn’s educator training saw a huge increase in our volunteer capacity. These new volunteers quickly jumped in, shadowing and leading alongside our wonderful existing volunteers.

Events at numerous schools in Ann Arbor, as well as Pinckney, had area students learning through hands-on activities about stream speed, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, erosion,

habitats, and – of course – benthic macroinvertebrates.

With lots of new volunteers, we’re now welcoming a few new schools into our programming. If your middle school or high school science class is interested, please let Jason Frenzel know, jfrenzel@hrwc.org.

As always, a big thanks to TOYOTA for their support of this program.

Find insects, crayfish and other small river creatures

Volunteer team at Roundup. photo by Eric R Bassey

Saturday, October 6

Join a small team with your friends and family for a unique activity in the River Roundup. Collect a sample of the bugs and other creatures (benthic macroinvertebrates) that live in our streams .  Like canaries in a coal mine, these creatures tell us how healthy the river is.

Trained volunteer collectors take you to two stream sites, where you help them search through stones, leaves, and sediment.  They go in the water, so you won’t get wet.  The amount of life  in our fresh water is amazing.  Volunteers meet in Ann Arbor and then go to two sites; one may be near their home.  You must register early to be assigned to a team.

Children are welcome to attend with their own adult.

WHERE: Meet in Ann Arbor.  Then car pool to two streams in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne and/or Washtenaw Counties.

WHEN: Two times: October 6, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, or 10:30 AM to 5 PM

DEADLINE: Registration closes on October 3, 2012.

NEXT STEPS: First time volunteers, please fill out the basic information form and the registration form.  Returning volunteers, please fill out the registration form only.

1. First time volunteer form

2. Event registration form

MORE INFO: Please email Jason at jfrenzel@hrwc.org.

PHOTOS and STORY: See a similar story from last winter here or see photos here.

River Cleanups

This Sunday HRWC and Schultz Outfitters hosted river cleanups near Dexter, in Ypsilanti and south of South Rockwood. A couple dozen volunteers hauled out an impressive amount of garbage. Special thanks to Kermit Jones and Mike Schultz for their coordination; HCMA, City of Ypsilanti, Lakepointe Marina, South Rockwood, A&J Maintenance, and Rockwood Family Restaurant for hauling away garbage; Skips Canoe Livery for hauling people around; and REI for financial support.

Ypsi cleanup = WOW

Educator Training

Tuesday morning started off soggy, cool, and breezy, but our new education program volunteers stuck out the weather and we all learned a lot from each other. This training adds 40% more volunteers to this program which brings HRWC’s expertise and mission to local schools. Thanks to TOYOTA for their financial support of this program.

Tim Schmidt, Head Brewer, grinding peppercorns

Part 5 of 5: Blue Tractor’s Hay Creek Rye Ale

Last week’s adventure to the game room at ABC was fantastic – we played shuffleboard and darts, saw old friends, met new friends, and had a very nice brew!

This week, join us on September 6 starting at 5:00 at Blue Tractor, which is located at 207 East Washington in downtown Ann Arbor.  Tim Schmidt has brewed up a Hay Creek Rye Ale. This light to medium bodied, refreshing ale is brewed with barley and rye, has a slight Centennial hop bitterness, and is spiced with orange peel, lemon peel, and coriander. At 5.5% alcohol by volume, it should be a fantastically drinkable summer brew! For more information about Hay Creek, see these little tidbits.

Tim moved to Ann Arbor in 2005 and started assistant brewing in 2007 at Grizzly Peak with Duncan. Tim attended the Siebel World Brewing Academy in Chicago in 2007 & 2008, and became the Head Brewer at Blue Tractor in 2008. Noting that he very much likes the small brewing system at Blue Tractor, Tim gets to brew and tweak his batches weekly.

If you’ve been to all five of the Brew events we’ll be pulling from a hat the winners of the Brew Passport at 7:15 pm. Of course we’ll have door prizes too!

Hope to see you Thursday!

~Jason

Part 4 of 5: ABC’s Silver Creek Ale

“Thanks for hosting these fun events!  I’m enjoying all of the good energy going on between folks!  I also am gaining a palate for beer…GOOD beer!  I’ve never liked beer before…” ~Yael Ganet

Last week we had another fantastic brew outing, at Grizzly Peak! Duncan (all fingers still somewhat intact after a screen door incident) welcomed us with a fantastic brew. Many of our passport contestants made it back – I think our numbers are starting to drop a bit, so hang in there if you’ve made it to all three!

This week we’ll join Logan Schaedig, Head Brewer, at Arbor Brewing Company. ABC is located at 114 East Washington in downtown Ann Arbor. We will spend the evening in the game room, which has darts and tabletop shuffleboard.

Logan has brewed us up a batch of Silver Creek Ale with 20 pounds of Michigan Cherries. This slightly tart beverage should be perfect for our shortening summer days! For more information on Silver Creek (the place and the ale) see here.

Logan started working at Corner Brewery and worked his way up the ranks to Head Brew over the past five years. A year and a half ago Logan built a brewery in Ecuador from scratch. He helped build the kiln, bar, and tanks, while learning to malt his own barley. Noting, “I am in a position to brew all over the world”, he is excited to help with ABC’s India project.

Hope to see you on Thursday!

~Jason

Part 3 of 5: Grizzly Peak’s Swift Run

Head Brewer Duncan Williams

Last week’s event at Jolly Pumpkin was fantastic. Maggie Long and her crew were amazing! Most of our Brew Passport contestants made it back (with a few mishaps, see photo below). And many door prizes were given out!

This week, we’ll be visiting Duncan  Williams, Head Brewer, at  Grizzly Peak Brewing Company. Join us at 5:00 at 120 West Washington in downtown Ann Arbor. We’ll be in The Den – just ask on your way in. Similar to last year, the Swift Run is a blend of two brews. This year it’s their red and saissonniere. With Michigan wheat and hops as well as local Bee Balm and Yarrow, Duncan promises a malty, crisp, somewhat hoppy brew with hints of tart and mint.  Learn more about Swift Run here in our Swift Run beer/creek factsheet.

Duncan has been the Head Brewer at Grizzly Peak since 2004. Note that a number of other brewers in this BREW series have worked for Duncan – kudos! He’s quite excited about Grizzly Peak’s onsite expansion. In the coming months they will double their production facility from 7 barrels to 14. This will offer Duncan the ability to produce more beer and give many of his batches more aging time. I can’t wait to try a few – early next year!

Hope to see you Thursday!

~Jason

Laurie & Ron Jeffries

Part 2 of 5: Jolly Pumpkin’s Hummocky Lick

Last week at Wolverine Brewing was super sweet!!! Wire in the Wood played an amazing set, ET and Oliver were superb hosts, and many new and old supporters had a great time. 69 Brew Passports are out there, we hope they all get turned in five weeks from now!

This week, we’re quite excited to visit the amazing folks at Jolly Pumpkin. Join us on Thursday, August 16 at 5:00pm. JP is located at 311 South Main Street, between Liberty and William. Ron and Laurie Jeffries, Brewmaster and General Director, along with Maggie Long, Executive Chef, will be showcasing their local artisan foods and brews. Ron specializes in open-fermented, oak-barrel aged, artisan beers. Often referred to as sour beers, due to their uniquely crisp and tangy aspects, these beers utilize specialty yeasts and long maturation processes. This is definitely the place I bring my friends who enjoy unique/local foods, as well as folks who love experiencing new and complex tastes and aromas!

Ron has crafted this year’s Hummocky Lick Sumac Sensation, which was named for a great little Huron River headwater creek, and two Michigan staples. As Ron notes, “Hummocky Lick starts light and grassy as a breezy field of spring wheat, turns lightly sour and tart with cherries, and finishes with a hint of clove and tamarind from the friendly sumac berry”.

For some fun info about this Hummocky Lick mashup see this pdf.

Hope to see you on Thursday!

~Jason