Stream Ecology

During the week of October 19th, Russ Taylor did us the pleasure of coming to teach our Stream Ecology course. Any class that provides an excuse to get out into the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us is sure to please. Coupled with his knowledge and experience in international development, Russ's stream ecology teachings helped the students to understand the interconnectedness of everything, and that everyday decisions we make have real effects for other people downstream, both literally and figuratively.
The students conducted their own mini research projects, for which they risked flooded rubber boots and damp notebooks in the name of collecting precious data. All involved came away with a more intimate understanding of the way water moves through the landscape, and the many implications that land-use has on that water. Nobody will be able to look at a stream and not think of the multitude of curious creatures that occupy the interstitial spaces, each one eating and reproducing in their own special way.