The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), a network of volunteer monitoring programs that collect and share surface water quality data statewide, is holding its 2022 Annual Conference at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center (RAM Center) on Higgins Lake in Roscommon, Michigan. The conference will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. Attendees have the option to spend the night at the RAM Center on Thursday, Nov. 17, and participate in an evening reception.

Registration is now open for the conference. The agenda includes sessions on freshwater mussels, stream macroinvertebrate identification, interpretation and use of volunteer monitoring data, and techniques for inspiring volunteer engagement. The conference is an opportunity to meet and interact with volunteers and program staff to share ideas and questions regarding current monitoring efforts. It is also an excellent way to learn more about the MiCorps programs, which include a Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program and a Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program.  

MiCorps volunteers monitor macroinvertebrates, water quality, invasive species, and habitat conditions in Michigan lakes, rivers, and streams. Volunteers receive detailed instructions, training, and equipment, and the data they collect are added to the MiCorps Data Exchange, a public database that includes information dating back to 1974.