Reports

	Reports

Event Description

Event Type: Other - Field Trip
Number of Participants: 1 Scientist, 8 Students, 2 Parents
Event Date: May 4 and May 15, 2002

Dr. Paul McIver reports:

A select group of eight fifth graders, a teacher and two parents investigated the ecology of Walden Pond in Boulder, CO. The pond was a former gravel mine and is now part of Boulder County Open Space. There are two ponds, but only one was part of the investigation. The students measured the dissolved oxygen, temperature of the water, identified the wetlands vegetation and discussed the effects of the low water and the impacts that the mats of algae are having on water quality. Wildlife such as ducks and geese were seen as well as a water snake and a variety of invertebrate worms. The students all took notes and we disccussed at length the impacts that the drought is having on the aquatic habitat. The students had a good grasp of basic ecology and were eager to explore the site and use their knowledge.

Positive feedback from students, teacher and parents. All seemed to be interested in the site and said they would visit the same area next fall.

Due to the drought, the wetlands were not in the water and were few and far between. Biological diversity wasn't as great as might have been if the water level had been higher. Boulder Creek is just to the north of Walden Ponds and this might be a betterlocation under the circumstances.