After collecting over 300 macroinvertabrates, we realized that Sideburn Branch Stream has unacceptable conditions ecologically. One way to correct that is by dredging the sediment from the lake. We have plans to reduce our own ecological footprint and spread the word, but for now we are happy to have been a part of the biological survey. -by Anna
Sometimes good things come in very tiny packages without a backbone. Today we learned about freshwater benthic macroinvertabrates that inhabit Sideburn Branch Stream. Some of our favorites were the Damselfly, the Net-spinner Caddisfly, and the True Flies. We learned that regardless of how we feel about the dredging displacing the local animals, it is desperately needed. The sediment from all of the run off in our area has made conditions that don't support the variety of life needed to have a healthy stream.
After collecting over 300 macroinvertabrates, we realized that Sideburn Branch Stream has unacceptable conditions ecologically. One way to correct that is by dredging the sediment from the lake. We have plans to reduce our own ecological footprint and spread the word, but for now we are happy to have been a part of the biological survey. -by Anna
2 Comments
Renee Jackson
12/17/2014 11:26:58 pm
What causes the run offs? Is it normal erosion or something that happens with development of an area?
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Jonah
12/18/2014 02:02:46 am
Run off is caused by the roads, sidewalks, roofs and parking lots. It is not normal. When it rains, all the water washes off the pavement carrying sediment, gas, oil, and chemicals with it. In a natural environment the water would filter through the soil, instead the water (in our case) goes straight to the storm drains and into the lakes and streams where it is not filtered by the soil. Erosion is caused when it rains heavily and the water goes into the storm drains. The force is so great that it washes through the stream without stopping, causing erosion.
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