Tiny Creatures Tell an Important Story

Many insects start out their lifecycle in waterways. These aquatic animals, called macroinvertebrates, grow up to be the flying insects we are all familiar with and are a main food source for fish, birds, amphibians, and other insects living in and around the Roaring Fork River.

Macroinvertebrates send us an important message just by their very presence… or absence. Scientists inventory the number and diversity of these aquatic animals to gauge the ecological health of a waterway. Work continues to improve the health of the Roaring Fork River, including the stormwater treatment that happens here at John Denver Sanctuary. 

As a local resident, you can help by minimizing pesticide and herbicide use, conserving water used for your household and landscaping, and keeping used car oil off of driveways and roads. As visitors and locals, enjoy your hikes, pet walks, and bike rides along the Roaring Fork, but do so responsibly by cleaning up pet waste, staying on trails, and respecting any revegetation project sites.