This summer we’ve teamed up with the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s Environmental Protection Department to host youth water events along the Verde River. The goal of these events is to give hands-on experience at investigating the aquatic macroinvertebrates that live in the Verde River. This July Indigenous Vision headed out to the Yavapai-Apache Nation (YAN) were we met up with community members to plan a day of fun and learning on the water.
Despite the heat, we made it to our location with YAN youth who were split into three Stream Teams: water quality team, kayak riparian team, and the macroinvertebrate team. Thankfully the trees provided sufficient shade for our macroinvertebrate team!
Studying the macroinvertebrates (insects in their nymph and larval stages, snails, worms, crayfish, and clams that spend at least part of their lives in water) can tell us a lot about the health of the water for the river ecosystem and safe cultural uses.
All equipment and refreshments were provided throughout the day making it a lively community event for all. The Verde River provided much needed relief rom the heat and a whole lot of fun memories for the youth who ventured down the corridor.
Indigenous Vision will be returning to the Verde River area this fall for another event, this time on September 12th. We hope to expand the water teachings and get even more YAN youth back to the water for learning, fun, and reconnecting!
