Over the coming year we will be visiting multiple sites in the Rogue River Watershed, though we will specifically focus our attention on Big Butte Creek and Ginger Creek. Today students selected groups and topics which they will focus on during our trips. Each group will have specific tasks when we take our field trips and the descriptions for each group are listed below. Wednesday and Thursday we will be out in the field.
Team Dirt
Determine the soil moisture at the study sites. Using a trowel or stick you will scrap the surface of the ground and obtain soil samples from underneath the surface. Examine soils for such characteristics such as color, texture and smell. You should also not plant material and organisms in the soil.
We will use the soil sample kit to measure ph, nutrients, and other tests.
Team Animals
Record the various kind of animals at each site (insects, birds, reptiles, fish, frogs, mammals, or tadpoles). Collect evidence of animals such as scat, tracks, burrows or leaves that have been chewed.
Team H2 the O
Will use the water sampling kit to measure ph, nutrients, temperature, flow, clarity and other tests.
Team Stuff That’s Growing
Observe the various kinds of plants at each site (large trees, small trees, shrubs, small plants, grasses). Specifically, identify and measure areas covered by invasive species. Record the most common kinds of plants found in each location and note where they grow relative to others. Also, look for blight, pest or other signs of plant health.
Team Lay of the Land
Determine if the site is flat or sloped and record all land features that affect the study site (tall buildings, roads, parking lots, cliffs, etc). Determine the direction that water is flowing. Create a rough map of the site and procure a topographic map for classroom use.
Team Solar
Determine wind movement and how much sunlight reaches the ground at each site. Analyze how shade and sun impact the stream habitat. What type of plants and animals should expect to see in this area?
Measure each sites temperature at ground level (1 inch below soil), 1 yard above the soil, 1 inch above the water and 1 yard above the water.
Team Dirt
Determine the soil moisture at the study sites. Using a trowel or stick you will scrap the surface of the ground and obtain soil samples from underneath the surface. Examine soils for such characteristics such as color, texture and smell. You should also not plant material and organisms in the soil.
We will use the soil sample kit to measure ph, nutrients, and other tests.
Team Animals
Record the various kind of animals at each site (insects, birds, reptiles, fish, frogs, mammals, or tadpoles). Collect evidence of animals such as scat, tracks, burrows or leaves that have been chewed.
Team H2 the O
Will use the water sampling kit to measure ph, nutrients, temperature, flow, clarity and other tests.
Team Stuff That’s Growing
Observe the various kinds of plants at each site (large trees, small trees, shrubs, small plants, grasses). Specifically, identify and measure areas covered by invasive species. Record the most common kinds of plants found in each location and note where they grow relative to others. Also, look for blight, pest or other signs of plant health.
Team Lay of the Land
Determine if the site is flat or sloped and record all land features that affect the study site (tall buildings, roads, parking lots, cliffs, etc). Determine the direction that water is flowing. Create a rough map of the site and procure a topographic map for classroom use.
Team Solar
Determine wind movement and how much sunlight reaches the ground at each site. Analyze how shade and sun impact the stream habitat. What type of plants and animals should expect to see in this area?
Measure each sites temperature at ground level (1 inch below soil), 1 yard above the soil, 1 inch above the water and 1 yard above the water.