This course examines the interactions between the physiochemical and biotic components of lotic ecosystems. Streams and rivers provide an excellent setting to think about ecological concepts around disturbance and connectivity. We will examine how the geology of a region controls stream habitat quality and in turn the stream community (algae, macroinvertebrates, fish), in addition to nutrient cycling. These ideas will be explored through field study, data analysis, and peer reviewed literature.
Learning about habitat restoration at the “Dream Stream” – near Fairplay, CO
Objectives:
- For you to acquire a fundamental understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes of streams and rivers.
- For you to understand commonly used stream ecology field and laboratory methods
- For you to acquire the skills to conduct and analyze scientific methods and data relevant to stream and river ecology
- For you to be able to critically evaluate and synthesize information from multiple sources
Week 1: Geomorphology – Mt. Princeton Trip
Week 2: Stream Biota & Nutrient Cycling
Week 3: Organic Matter Budgets & Fish – Electrofishing with CO DPW
Week 4: Celebration of Learning
Syllabus: ev311-b8-2016-syllabus-barnes
Clockwise from top left: learning about pebbles and power along the Arkansas River, Kyra & Max discussing stream flow measurements in Fountain Creek, & Char measuring the length of a brown trout as part of our fish survey on Bear Creek