Volunteers sought for water sampling in Whychus Creek

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is organizing two days of water sampling on Whychus Creek to improve its data on benthic macroinvertebrates. Collection will take place 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 11-12, and volunteers are welcome.The collection of insects including mayflies and stoneflies will help researchers better understand the health of Whychus Creek. The information gathered may assist in the reintroduction of steelhead and salmon.Volunteers interested in joining the water sampling effort can do so by visiting the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council website (upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org). Volunteers are advised to come prepared with a hat and sun protection, a water bottle and snacks.Questions about the water sampling project can be directed to Lauren Mork: lmork@restorethedeschutes.org.The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is also hosting a cleanup of the Deschutes River at six locations on Saturday. Volunteer positions have filled up at five of the locations, but as of Wednesday space was still available to join the effort at La Pine State Park. Registration is also through eventbrite.com. Type Deschutes River Cleanup in the search box.