Did you know that we have high quality waterways that flow through our community?   When many of us think of water in the Township we think of Belleville Lake or the Huron River, but we also have some wonderful creeks and streams.  One such exceptional stream is commonly referred to as the Griggs Drain, although it did not always have such a utilitarian name.  It was once known as Woods Creek and according to a book of local history, Water Under the Bridge, in 1827 at a site near Woods Creek the first Township meeting was held.  Woods Creek is located in the Southern end of our Township and the creek’s watershed (the land area that drains into the creek) covers almost the entire bottom third of the Township!  This means that activities that take place on all of that land area directly affect the water quality of Woods Creek and the Huron River.   To help us monitor the health of Woods Creek and other important waterways throughout the Huron Watershed, the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) has organized an Adopt a Stream program with the help of many volunteers.

What is the Adopt a Stream Program?

In the spring and fall, volunteers venture into the local waterways in search of insect larvae to learn more about the stream conditions. These young insects play a role of canaries in the mine in that they react to poor environmental conditions before we do. Aquatic insects depend on healthy streams for their survival. Their sensitivity to changes in the chemistry, flow characteristics (such as velocity and depth), and bottom substrate makes them valuable measures of stream conditions. The volunteers and HRWC scientists measure different components of the insect community to learn more about potential problems and the overall ecological health of the site.

How long has Woods Creek (Griggs Drain) been monitored?

Volunteers with the Adopt-A-Stream Program have monitored Woods Creek where it enters the Huron River in the Lower Huron Metropark since 1996. Results show that this creek supports a diverse animal population and is in acceptable ecological quality. Habitat assessments have identified some bank erosion, trash, and a lack of pool habitat as physical challenges to the animals living in this creek.

What are the results of the latest sampling survey?

In April of 2001, volunteers found two prong-gilled mayflies (family: Leptophlebiidae) living in Woods Creek. Because this type of mayfly is especially sensitive to organic pollution (fertilizers, animal waste etc.), its presence indicates this is stream is in good condition.  Of 56 study sites in the Huron River Watershed, Woods Creek ranks #18, meaning it is in better biological quality than 38 other study sites.

What about winter sampling?

In January, volunteers look for a specific group of insects called the winter stoneflies, which are expected to be living in creeks unless there has been a disturbance. The life cycle of a winter stonefly makes them relatively immune to metabolic stresses during the summer, and climatic conditions in the winter usually ensure adequate oxygen even in moderately polluted sites. For us, their absence is an indicator of toxic pollutants, the effects of which might be masked the rest of the year by low oxygen or other metabolic stresses.  Volunteers have found winter stoneflies in Woods Creek since beginning to monitor for them in 1997. In the past two winters, volunteers have found more groups of winter stoneflies.

Is the chemistry of the water measured?

One way that chemistry is measured is with conductivity. Conductivity is an indication of the concentration of dissolved ions (for example salt, metals, toxins) present in the water. It is measured with a conductivity meter, which measures how easily electricity can flow through the sample water. If the average conductivity measured at a site is 800 microSiemens (µS) or less, it is considered natural for stream water.

At some of our sites with high levels of development and impervious surfaces (roads, driveways, roofs), rainwater washes chemicals, such as fertilizers and pet wastes, from the developed landscape into the creek. Development can lead to a conductivity above 800 µS, which is considered excessive and may indicate the presence of toxic substances. (Realize that many toxins, although harmful, are not measured by conductivity.)  The average conductivity at Woods Creek is 759 uS, within what is considered natural for stream water.

How can I get involved in this program?

There are many ways that you can get involved in this rewarding program that requires only a small time commitment and provides the benefit of learning about and helping to monitor a significant resource right here in our backyard.  For more information on the Adopt-a-Stream schedule/calendar and how to participate in it go to  the Huron River Watershed Council's website at http://www.hrwc.org/adopt/  

Who can I call for more information?

For more information or to pre-register for any of the above events, call the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) at (734) 769-5971 or email tdakin@hrwc.org. Visit them on the web at http://www.hrwc.org

What else can I do to help protect water quality in the Township?

There are many positive actions that you can take to help us improve upon and maintain our significant natural features such as our waterways.   These actions involve many of your day-to-day activities and include maintenance and design of your lawn and landscaping, proper disposal of your household hazardous waste, awareness of your storm drain system, maintenance of your septic tank, and others.  The Township has concise information available at Township Hall, including our series of 13 environmental factsheets for homeowners, which are available for you to use as a reference.   Be sure to tune into the Township Cable Channel (Channel 12) where we are showing 15 different programs related to environmental issues.  To check the programming schedule look on the Township website under the Cable Department or they can be reached at 699-6069.