MBI offers specialized expertise in aquatic and terrestrial
biological assessment, monitoring, and technical evaluation.
Our goal is to assist our clients toward better management,
restoration, protection, and improvement of
our nation’s natural resources.
The Midwest Biodiversity Institute is a scientific research and education non-profit organization. We are dedicated to the development and application of scientific methods and techniques to evaluate, protect and restore the environment.
MBI specializes in aquatic resource management by performing bioassessments of rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands, as well as botanical, crayfish, and herpetological surveys. We place special emphasis on the development of high-quality comprehensive monitoring and assessment programs, and provide direct technical support and policy advice to all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, and private groups. Through these efforts, we assist our clients toward better-informed decisions.
MBI provides technical training in aquatic resource monitoring and assessment methods. We also offer programs that reach out to the public with valuable hands-on learning and field experiences that create an awareness of our natural resources. Driving all of our work is our belief that, by using the best scientific methods, we can accomplish significant improvements in our environment and ensure a legacy of clean water for future generations.
Help us forge the path to future water quality and stream protection by contributing to MBI. Your tax-deductible contribution will help us continue our important work.
Jack Freda and field technician Ashley Smith were used to encountering new species, but what they found just a short distance from downtown Columbus was an unexpected surprise.
The MBI macroinvertebrate crew encountered this interesting salamander at a site in southern Ohio earlier this summer.
MBI announces the release of a major report on the historical ecological success story of Central Ohio’s two major rivers. Middle Scioto River, Lower Olentangy River, and Selected Olentangy Tributaries 2020.
MBI's Educational Training Program course offerings cover many aspects of wetland, stream, and river monitoring and bioassessment, including courses that provide certification as Level 2 and Level 3 Qualified Data Collectors. We also offer personalized training to meet your organization’s unique needs.
Learn More
The Vernal Pool Workshops are joint projects of Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership; The Midwest Biodiversity Institute and The Ohio Wetlands Association.
The Midwest Biodiversity Institute is starting a video series to share some of the science we use on a daily basis. We would like you the public to come join us and perhaps even learn something interesting.
ORAM is used in Ohio's wetland permitting program to categorize wetlands for permit reviews but is primarily an excellent rapid assessment tool for determining wetland ecological condition. ORAM has served as a model for many other rapid wetland assessments that are in use across the United States.