Create a Caddisfly

Danielle Wynne, Ecologist IV, Fairfax County, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Watershed Education and Outreach
Chris Mueller, Ecologist III, Fairfax County, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Watershed Education and Outreach
Eric Collins, Ecologist II, Fairfax County, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Watershed Education and Outreach
Emily Benoit, Ecologist II, Fairfax County, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Watershed Education and Outreach

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the Create a Caddisfly program brings hands-on environmental education back to the forefront. Developed by the Watershed Education and Outreach (WEO) team in Fairfax, Virginia, this program introduces young students to their local streams by exploring the life of a fascinating freshwater insect—the caddisfly! Through a simple yet engaging craft, children learn about the fascinating insect and create their own caddisfly larva and case using everyday materials. Paired with a book developed by staff, “The Three Little Caddisflies”, this program forges a tangible connection between art, science, and nature. One of the greatest successes of this program is its accessibility. With minimal materials, many of which can be found at home or in classrooms, Create a Caddisfly is cost-effective, easily transportable, and adaptable to various settings. It has been utilized by Title I schools, scout groups, libraries, and families, ensuring that environmental education is available to all. The program also incorporates multilingual instructions and visual guides, breaking down language barriers and making learning more inclusive. An instructional video was also developed in-house as a visual compendium to the program. Despite the challenge of engaging younger students in watershed education, this program has sparked curiosity and excitement about stream health. Hundreds of children have received the book and crafted their own caddisflies. By blending STEM with the arts, Create a Caddisfly is truly a STEAM project that not only educates but also inspires, proving that science isn’t just about numbers, it’s about creativity, exploration, and connection.