MacroInvertebrates and Water Quality by Erin Benavides, Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center

March 7, 2026

In March, we were delighted to welcome Erin Benevides back to Science Saturdays for “MacroInvertebrates and Water Quality.” Students learned that the diversity of macro-organisms found in our rivers and springs is an indicator of water quality and ecosystem health. They found and identified living macro-organisms in water collected from the Ocala Recharge Park. The younger students made clay macroinvertebrates using what they learned about the body parts of these environmental indicator species. Older students worked in teams to test waster samples and used their new knowledge to reach and defend conclusions about the health of the water at the park.