Colorado Trout Unlimited’s STREAM Keepers program partnered with Adams County 4-H and Colorado State University Extension to lead a two-day youth camp focused on river science and watershed education.
As part of their summer programming, seven to eight middle school-aged participants from Adams County 4-H explored two locations along the South Platte River. On July 8, they traveled to Waterton Canyon near Littleton. On July 10, they visited Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton. At each site, the group studied aquatic insects and measured water quality to assess the health of the river.
Using seine and dip nets, the students collected macroinvertebrates and observed which species were present at each site. From the samples, they learned how certain bugs can help tell the story of a river’s health.
In the cooler waters of Waterton Canyon, the students found a greater variety of coldwater species, including stoneflies, caddisflies, midges, crayfish, and flatworms. At the Brighton location, the group found a different mix, including small mayflies, scuds, crane flies, leeches, flatworms, and bloodworms. Many of these are more tolerant of warmer water and higher nutrient levels. Everyone was surprised to discover just how diverse a warmwater ecosystem can be.
At both sites, the students also measured temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and pH using water quality kits. They took turns leading the tests and explaining the results. Waterton Canyon recorded a water temperature of 62 degrees, while Brighton came in at 72 degrees. The other measurements also pointed to healthier water quality in the Waterton Canyon site, which flows directly from the mountains and Strontia Springs Dam. In contrast, the river at Brighton flows through Denver and other urban areas before reaching the park.
Both days brought the heat of summer in full force. The students cooled off by playing in the river and explored nearby habitat, spotting toads and lizards as they went. After lunch on the second day in Brighton, they began learning how to cast a fly rod. Unfortunately, a storm rolled in with thunderstorm warnings, and the fly-casting activity had to be cut short for safety.
CTU’s Youth Headwaters Program was proud to lead this experience and connect with the Adams County 4-H youth and staff. The camp was a powerful reminder that different ecosystems can reflect a range of conditions and still support healthy aquatic life. It was a fun, educational experience, and everyone walked away with new knowledge and a deeper connection to their home waters.
