Darby Creek.

Dear Parents,

Part of the Darby System, BigDarbyCreek, is located within the boundaries of the HilliardCitySchool District.  The rapid growth of Hilliard has brought the watershed to the attention of the community.  The extensive building in the area may certainly have an impact on the ecology of the Darby System.  DarbyCreek watershed, including Big and Little Darby Creeks, is an important water resource in central Ohio and the entire Midwest.  Ohio is one of the few states in the country that measures the health of its streams and rivers by examining the number and types of fish and macroinvertebrates living in the water.  Natural resource professionals from private, public, and academic institutions are unanimous in citing these streams as among the most biologically diverse streams of their size in the Midwest.  Big and Little Darby Creeks have been designated as State and NationalScenicRivers, and the watershed is known to provide habitat for several state and federally listed endangered species.  As teachers, we feel that it is important for the students to learn about this impact by actually monitoring the creek for macroinvertebrates.  Their findings are then sent to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as an ongoing research base for this area.

Before going to Darby Creek each fall, the students are exposed to the history of the area and to the macroinvertebrates that they will be locating.  The macroinvertebrates are collected by kick seining, counted, and then returned to the stream.  Data sheets are then completed and returned to ODNR.

On this day, your son/daughter must bring the following to school:

•  A packed lunch with a beverage (all throw away items please)
•  An old pair of sneakers, water shoes, or boots to wear in the creek (we will be in water that could be thigh high)
• A dry pair of shoes to wear the rest of the day
• Clothing appropriate for the creek (layers)
• Rain gear if necessary
• A backpack or duffel bag (something that zips) to keep everything in

Please have names on all items

The following items are nice to have but not required:

• A plastic bag to keep wet clothes/shoes in
• An old towel to dry off
• Insect repellent

** There is no fee for this trip.**