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Oxbow River Snorkeling – Workshops & Classes
Welcome to Oxbow River Snorkeling’s Workshops & Classes — immersive educational experiences designed to help participants of all ages explore the vibrant life in and around our Appalachian waterways. Whether you're a curious beginner, a student, teacher, flyfisher, or outdoor enthusiast, our hands-on classes are designed to deepen your understanding of river ecosystems, aquatic biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.
🌊 An Introduction to River Snorkeling
Format: 1-hour class + 2-hour guided snorkeling trip
Location: Mountains to Seas Adventures, Pisgah Forest, NC
Cost: $150 per person (all gear included except closed-toed shoes and socks)
Discover the incredible diversity of freshwater life in the rivers of Western North Carolina. This class begins with a one-hour overview covering river safety, ecology, and gear basics — followed by a two-hour guided snorkeling experience. Participants will observe native fish like redline and tangerine darters, river chubs and their nest associates, freshwater mussels, aquatic insects, and more.
No experience required — just a willingness to explore!
🐛 An Introduction to
the 8 Common Aquatic Insect Orders
Format: 2-hour class + optional streamside field session
Audience: Middle school to adult learners; ideal for anglers, naturalists, and educators
Learn to identify and understand the aquatic life cycles of the 8 primary orders of aquatic insect larvae found in Appalachian streams:
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Mayflies (Ephemeroptera)
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Stoneflies (Plecoptera)
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Caddisflies (Trichoptera)
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Dragonflies & Damselflies (Odonata)
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True Bugs (Hemiptera)
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Dobsonflies, Alderflies (Megaloptera)
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Aquatic Beetles (Coleoptera)
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True Flies (Diptera)
Participants will gain foundational knowledge in aquatic entomology, learn basic identification skills, and understand the ecological roles these insects play in freshwater ecosystems.
An Introduction to EPT Taxa:
Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies
Format: 1.5-hour workshop with hands-on ID practice
EPT taxa — Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera — are essential indicators of stream health. In this workshop, you'll learn to recognize these sensitive aquatic insect groups, explore their roles in ecological monitoring, and practice identification using real specimens. Perfect for students, environmental educators, and flyfishers who want to improve their understanding of bioindicators and aquatic biodiversity.