Identification Guides

Learning about the life—big and small— that exists in one’s greater backyard is often a first step in conservation. Below are some materials that may help you explore the great diversity of native species that we are lucky to share space with in the Central Coast region.

Freshwater mussles are often under-recognized for the valuable role they play in maintaining clean stream waters. They can be found in many of the local streams that the MidCoast Watersheds Council works on, such as Little Lobster Creek in the Alsea River Basin.

Aquatic macroinvertebrates serve as indicators of water quality, and are the prey of choice for juvenile salmonids, waterfowl, and many other organisms. In this guide, you will find 56 common and readily visible groups of macroinvertebrates encountered in wadeable streams of our region.