The last month and a half has been jam packed with so many different things!! I’ve done multiple hydromodification assessments with SD1 and learned how to properly collect macroinvertebrate samples from either doing a square plot or from seining. I’ve also partially gotten over my fear of chainsaws from learning how to properly use them from a small workshop with the Boone County Parks department. Additionally, I’ve learned how to use other forms of equipment such as using the weed whacker and driving the quad around the property.
I also assisted in two educational camps that we hosted on the property. The first one was the Conservation Kids Camp (CKC) that we hosted two sessions for, one during the first week of June and the second in the last week of June. This was more geared towards kids ages 9 to 12 which was super awesome being a counselor and teaching these kids the importance of conservation and the environment on the property. Some topics they learned included how to look for macroinvertebrates in Gunpowder Creek, how to identify different types of animals and plants, and how to identify invasive plants such as poison hemlock. The second camp we hosted was the Leadership, Exploration, and Fun Academy (LEAF) which was really fun. This camp was geared more towards teens ages 13-15 to get them more interested in conservation and its importance. Some topics and activities they got to do include electrofishing, learning telemetry, how to conduct a forest health survey, visiting the mollusk conservation center in Frankfort, and learning leadership skills while also kayaking a section of Gunpowder Creek.
I have also continued my research on the property using trail cameras in three spots along Gunpowder creek to observe the mammals that live and are around on the edge of the riparian zone. It has been really fascinating to see what we see on the cameras and the behaviors that are exhibited. We’ve seen everything from a little mouse scurrying around finding food to an otter exploring the creek bank and sliding into the water to swim away. It’s also been really awesome learning different tactics in data collection, plus not only learning more about what I’m researching but also learning about what Jaron is researching and the methods he’s using. Overall, it’s been such a fun and insightful month and a half and I can’t wait to see what else is in store as we get closer to the end of the summer.
