Practicing Secchi disk readings from the LEA pontoon boat
LEA’s Lake Ecology is an immersive three-day field experience where we will examine lake, forest, and wetland ecosystems.
Using the Van Dorn Sampler to take a grab sample of a specific depth
During the course, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of watershed science. Whether looking to gain skills, build a resume, or simply explore if the environment is something you’d like to learn more about, this course has what you’re looking for!
Examining macroinvertebrates from Stevens Brook
We will board our pontoon boat and head to a deep spot on Highland Lake to learn about LEA’s research buoy, collect data, and take water samples, which will then be transported back to the Maine Lake Science Center (MLSC) lab for processing and analyzing. The next morning, we will explore streams and wetlands, learning about riparian zones, river ecology, bioassessment, rural and urban areas and human use along the stream banks. The afternoon will include more lab time at MLSC. The third day will include a field trip to the Holt Pond Preserve to collect more water samples, learn about benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs), do some nature journaling, and a nature walk through a variety of ecosystems. Back at the lab we will make connections between the three days of water sampling, BMIs, and human impacts, discussing our results in context and the reasoning behind local environmental monitoring initiatives.
Running samples at the Science Center lab
The class is taught by our Science Center Research Director Dr. Ben Peierls, Staff Researcher Maggie Welch, and Educator/naturalist Mary Jewett.
Course fee is $90. Please call or email Alyson Smith with any questions at 647-3318 or alyson@mainelakes.pageuptoday.com.
