Survey at Big Spring Site Finds Degraded Water Quality
A rather large Fantail Darter fish found its way into the collection net as well. Thanks to Fisheries Biologist and certified monitor Jason Kahn and his colleagues for identifying this fish. Photo by Amy Ulland
Former Tuscarora High School AP Environmental Science teacher Dr. Miriam Westervelt arranged for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to conduct a survey of the Big Spring site at Tuscarora High School on April 13. Certified monitors Amy Ulland and Emma Lloyd led the survey, assisted by Dr. Westervelt and Jen Venable from Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District.
Last officially monitored in the spring of 2019 with a very healthy score of 11 out of 12, the site received a moderately unhealthy score of 6. Flatworms predominated the macro count, indicating the potential for organic material pollutants (including soil and fertilizer) from upstream. Participants also discovered a Northern Dusky Salamander and a Fantail Darter fish in the collection net.
Three Tuscarora High School students from AP Environmental Science teacher Mrs. Norina Treanor’s class visited the site for a quick netting, and the opportunity to identify some macros and assist with completing the physical characteristics section of the stream survey.
Dr. Westervelt (far right) explains about the history of the Big Spring stream site to Mrs. Treanor’s class. Photo by Amy Ulland.
Mrs. Treanor’s AP Environmental Science students work with certified monitor Emma Lloyd and Jen Venable to identify macros. Photo by Amy Ulland.
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