Education Archives - Coosa River Basin Initiative

The Importance of Macroinvertebrates

August 21, 2023

What Are Macroinvertebrates? Macroinvertebrates serve as the ecological cleaning services in aquatic ecosystems. While the name may sound unfamiliar at first glance, Northwest Georgia is home to many macroinvertebrates you likely know, such as Crayfish, Mayflies, Dragonflies, Clams, Mussels, and more! While here these small and sometimes bothersome creatures may seem like little more than pests, they’re actually crucial to our rivers’ ecosystems. These organisms affect even our local water sources such as the Coosa River Basin and serve an…

What Keeps Our Rivers Strong? Mussels!

August 10, 2022

Education, Restoration

In the streams and rivers of Northwest Georgia resides an unassuming but powerful champion of freshwaters. These heroes come in many shapes and sizes, can live up to 100 years in the right conditions, and go by many names including Oval Pigtoe, Rayed Pink Fatmucket, and Little Spectaclecase. They clean up the rivers, provide food to wildlife, and create safe habitats for aquatic critters. If you grew up along the rivers and creeks of North America you’ve almost certainly met…

Connect with a Cause Through Citizen Science

August 6, 2020

Blog Posts, Education, Water Monitoring

By Courtnee Pope Hello, CRBI friends and family! My name is Courtnee Davenport and I am working as CRBI’s summer bacterial water sampling intern this year.I planted my roots in Romein the summer of 2004 when my family made our last Marine Corps duty station move. I was lucky to be able to see a lot of America in my young life as we travelled across country every two years or so. I give credit to those long car rides…

2020 Bacterial Monitoring Results

June 11, 2020

Advocacy, Education, Water Monitoring

Green: 0-126 cfu/100mL considered safe for recreational use by the state of Georgia Yellow: +126-235 cfu/100mL moderate risk of illness Red: +235 cfu/100mL high risk of illness CRBI conducted bacterial water monitoring at three sites that included Neel’s Landing off of US 411, Grizzard Park (soccer fields), and Heritage Park on September 1, 2020. The results of those monitoring efforts showed that 52.9 cfu/100mL were present at Neel’s Landing (411), 142.1 cfu/100mL were present at Grizzard Park, and 172.3 cfu/100mL…

Educational Activities for the Kids

March 25, 2020

Blog Posts, Education

ACTIVITIES Merlin App – Take a walk outside and see many different bird species you are able to identify with this avian ID app. Fizzy Pots – Not just for St. Patrick’s Day, this easy baking soda and vinegar experiment is sure to keep the kids entertained. Crystal Snowflakes – Learn a fun lesson about the formation of crystals while making your own snowflake. The end product is sure to dazzle and you’ll have a sweet keepsake to remember your time spent together. How Do Leaves Breathe? –…

Ban the Bag in Georgia

February 24, 2020

Advocacy, Blog Posts, Education

Senate Bill 280 would prohibit the distribution of single-use plastic bags by retail stores, with some exemptions (bags used for bulk foods, produce, newspaper, garments, dog waste, meat, etc.). The proposed bill could mean Georgia would be joining the ranks of eight other states across the country that have already banned the bags. It is not uncommon to see plastic bags on the side of the road or in our rivers. Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, Riverkeeper and Executive Director of CRBI, believes…