Bugs Below Zero
Discovering Winter Aquatic Insects in Minnesota
Miss an event?
Check out our past event resources
Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge, Light and Seek Luminary Walk
Photo credit: Hanna McBrearty/USFWS
On January 11th, 2024, the Bugs Below Zero research team was a part of the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge, Light and Seek Luminary Walk. At this event, participants had a chance to meet Minnesota’s winter aquatic insects and learn about their important role in winter stream food webs. There was an interactive insect demonstration for adults, kids, students, and families that connects weather, streams, aquatic insects, and fish. Insect and fish researchers associated with the Bugs Below Zero project connected with the public to discuss how to get involved in citizen science activities.
​​​
Bugs Below Zero at Belwin Conservancy
On Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, Bugs Below Zero team was a part of the Belwin's Midwinter Family Fun event. The Bugs Below Zero team had a live station where you can meet Minnesota’s winter aquatic insects and learn about their important role in winter stream food webs. At the event, participants had the opportunity to connect with insect and fish researchers associated with the Bugs Below Zero project to discuss winter research and learn how to participate in our community science data collection project! ​
Macroinvertebrate Mania
Aquatic entomologist Dr. Corrie Nyquist and the Bugs Below Zero team hosted a live webinar for K12 classrooms and nature centers called Macroinvertebrate Mania. The webinar introduced audience members to aquatic insects from Valley Creek, Minnesota, described the different categories of insects and their different roles in stream food webs, and talked about how bugs can adapt to survive winter temperatures. Dr. Nyquist also answered questions from the audience about entomology careers, winter research, and the importance of studying winter active aquatic insects.
Unlocking the secrets of winter streams
The Bugs Below Zero team partnered with the Minnesota Master Naturalists for a webinar. Dr. Amy Schrank, Dr. Alyssa Anderson, and Dr. Rebecca Swenson discussed the importance of winter active aquatic insects, aquatic insect identification, the connection between insects and trout, and shared more information about the Bugs Below Zero platform and how to use our citizen science protocol to collect data.
Bugs Below Zero at the Bell Museum
Photo credit: Bell Museum
On Saturday, December 10th, 2022, the Bugs Below Zero grant team partnered with the Bell Museum to host an interactive Spotlight Science event! Attendees were able to meet Minnesota’s winter aquatic insects in our living stream demonstration, discuss research with University of Minnesota science experts, create a stream life cycle at the winter food web station, learn about different species with crafts, and view multimedia learning content focused on connecting seasons, streams, aquatic insects, and fish. We had an estimated 560+ visitors come through stations and exhibits. Thank you to all the families who visited with us that day!
View some of our handouts and poster from events below. Additional resources like lesson plans, videos, coloring sheets, and informational handouts can be found on our educational resources page.
