MCR Monthly Newsletter

APRIL 2025

Spring is here and instead of talking about the obvious animal and plants that emerge this time of year, let’s talk about some strange and unusual animals that are overlooked, unknown, or completely misunderstood. Two of these unusual animals you can find at Merrill Creek Reservoir!

Bryozoan Colony

Bryozoans – these are small aquatic invertebrates (animals without a backbone). They are often mistaken for a glob of frog, salamander, or fish eggs. But this is actually a colony of hundreds of individual tiny animals living together in a jelly-like colony. They can often be found clinging to vertical plant stems, ropes, or anchor chains in the water. They are filter feeders and filter plankton, algae and other microorganisms using a crown of cilia (lophophore) from the water. They are often considered an indicator of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem.  The coolest fact about Bryozoans, is that they are ancient animals as they have been on earth for millions of years, even before dinosaurs and insects!  These creatures are slimy and harmless if touched; but please do not disturb them.

Tardigrade

Another strange and unusual invertebrate are tardigrades or commonly called water-bears or moss piglets.  These little known tiny 8-legged creatures can be found on clumps of green moss you may find growing on a rock. They are extremely small(.05-1.2mm) and are just barely visible with the naked eye. If you view moss under a dissecting microscope, you may be able to find some. They are also harmless.

 Eco-Vocabulary Time!

Vertebrate- animal with a back-bone….  Amphibians, birds, Reptiles, and mammals.

Invertebrate- animal without a back-bone … .bryozoans, insects, earthworms.  97% of all living animals.

Plankton are a wide range of organisms that drift in the water.

Zooplankton….. Plankton that are animals

Phytoplankton…… Plankton that are plants

Spring is here!  Take the kids out and explore!

Ranger Rich