On Saturday, July 26, nature enthusiasts will be able to immerse themselves—literally—in the ecosystem of Hunter Brook Preserve, located in Yorktown Heights, about six miles from downtown Peekskill. Beginning at 10 a.m., the environmental conservation site will open its gates for Water Bug Quest, a free educational event open to all ages.

For nearly an hour, participants will take part in a guided educational walk along the stream. The mission is simple: search for aquatic insects and learn what these creatures reveal about water quality. Water Bug Quest is an initiative led by Westchester Land Trust.

The walk includes sampling stations, collection nets, and observation containers. The activity lasts a total of two hours. Once participants gather macroinvertebrates—commonly known as water bugs—they will identify and classify them with help from conservation experts. Each species found serves as a clue to understanding the local biodiversity and the health of the stream.

One of the goals of the program is to teach visitors how to interpret biological indicators, recognize invasive species, and read aquatic landscapes through an ecological lens. Although the concepts may sound complex, staff members at the preserve provide an accessible, beginner-friendly experience. Organizers recommend wearing comfortable clothing, shoes that can get wet, and bringing an extra set of clothes.

Water Bug Quest is not new to Hunter Brook Preserve. It also took place last July. This year, it will run alongside similar programs at other preserves, such as Zofnass Family Preserve and Hemlock Brook Preserve. These concurrent events include trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and native species planting.

For more information about this event, visitors can check the preserve’s official website. While admission is free, early registration is encouraged via this link to secure a spot and receive pre-event instructions.