Headwater streams drain up to 90% of the landscape and contribute substantially to nutrient dynamics and food webs in higher order streams within drainage networks. In Central Massachusetts, headwaters are primarily influenced by land-use changes, including development; invasive species that alter forest composition (e.g., hemlock woolly adelgid causing losses of hemlock in headwater riparian zones); road crossings; and, potentially, climate change. This research examines longitudinal changes in individual streams over time, as well as across-stream variations in habitat characteristics, water quality, and stream biota, in relation to the above factors. Current status of this project involves (1) preparing collected macroinvertebrates for long-term archival storage, and (2) discussions of possible continuation of summer REU research comparing current stream invertebrate communities with those found in the early 2000s. (1) The ongoing invertebrate sample analysis (Colburn) includes reviewing previously collected specimens from headwater streams at Harvard Forest and elsewhere in Massachusetts; confirming or adjusting taxonomic identifications; editing the data base; and ensuring that all sample labels are legible and durable for long-term archival storage in ethanol. Once all IDs are confirmed and entered, the data will be analyzed for possible publication. (2) The REU discussions (Colburn and Sharpe) focus on examining invertebrates collected by Annabelle Rayson in 2024; considering whether similar sampling could be useful for evaluating changes in aquatic biota in Prospect Hill headwaters over the past two decades; and developing a proposal for a follow-up REU project when Dr. Sharpe will be available as a mentor.