Tibbetts Creek is a relatively short stream, running only approximately 3.8 miles as it winds its way through the terrain of Ionia County. Fed by groundwater sources, the headwaters of this creek lie just beyond the southeastern border of the Ionia State Recreation Area. Tibbetts Creek meanders until it converges with the Grand River southwest of the city of Ionia. Maintaining a narrow width, typically under 10 feet along most of its course. With its diverse habitat and clear waters, Tibbets Creek serves as a prime location for diverse macroinvertebrate communities and very "good water" quality. Macroinvertebrate population surveys offered host to a number of hellgramites, various mayfly larval species, and an abundance of caddis flys. On the day of sampling students even had an accidental catch of a small steelhead in a D-net for macroinvertebrate samples. 

Bellamy Creek, originating in the heart of central Ionia County just west of the city of Ionia, carves its path through the rural landscapes, traversing numerous acres of farmland before meandering through Bertha Brock County Park. With a southward drainage direction, Bellamy Creek flows steadily until it merges with the grandeur of the Grand River. Throughout its course, this creek offers a unique perspective on the intersection of agricultural practices and waterway ecology, making it an intriguing site for scientific exploration and the study of macroinvertebrates. The creek maintains a width between 15-20 feet, with the county park adorned by a substantial assortment of large rocks and gravel, lending to its natural charm. However, in the summer of 2023, Bellamy Creek faced a significant ecological challenge when an improper field application of fertilizer led to a substantial die-off of fish, highlighting the delicate balance between human activities and the health of the waterway ecosystem. Initial assumptions caused us to believe there there may be effects to the macroinvertebrate population as well. However, survey assessments year the entrance of Bertha Brock park showed a diverse community 

The Grand River, a defining feature of Michigan's southwestern Lower Peninsula, stands as the second largest river basin in the state, surpassed only by the Saginaw River watershed. Spanning approximately 5,575 square miles, the basin's reach extends across numerous counties, including Hillsdale, Jackson, Washtenaw, Livingston, Calhoun, Eaton, Ingham, Shiawassee, Gratiot, Clinton, Ionia, Montcalm, Mecosta, Barry, Allegan, Kent, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Ottawa. As the longest river in Michigan, the Grand River main stem stretches an impressive 248 miles, with a catchment area spanning 135 miles in length and 70 miles in width. Within this expansive watershed, a network of 5,320 miles of tributaries, varying widely in size, contributes to the river's flow. Among the notable tributaries are the Portage River, Red Cedar River, Looking Glass River, Maple River, Prarrie Creek, Flat River, Thornapple River, Rogue River, and Bass River, alongside 581 lakes exceeding 10 acres in size. Spring Lake emerges as the largest, boasting a surface area of 1,097 acres. Our assessments, conducted at the Bridge Street crossroad in Saranac, Michigan, provide a glimpse into the health of the Grand River system, particularly downstream from the confluences with major tributaries and urban centers such as Lansing and Ionia. While these assessments offer valuable insights, they merely capture a snapshot of the river's broader ecosystem, underscoring the ongoing need for comprehensive monitoring and management efforts within this vital watershed.