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Keep up with our Summer Research Interns - read the "Tremonthly" summer science report.
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Evaluating Tremont's Impact
Learn why your school's visit to Tremont will be "more than just a field trip."
Aquatic Natural History
May 16 – 18
July 10 - 12
This course provides an overview of the unique ecology of aquatic systems in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, particularly as it relates to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through discussions and field trips. Topics will include aquatic macroinvertebrates, habitats, conservation issues, etc. Field trips will include visits to examples of many of these aquatic systems.
Goal:
This course will give students an overview of aquatic natural history as it relates to the streams and wetlands of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Specific objectives of this course are:
1. To introduce the student to the variety of streams and wetlands, their hydrology, structure, and habitats found in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
2. To introduce the student to aquatic macroinvertebrates and their natural history, including their use in stream health indices.
3. To describe the importance of aquatic systems, their threats, management, and rehabilitation.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify the types of aquatic systems found in the
Southern Appalachian Mountains.
2. Identify aquatic macroinvertebrates to order.
3. Describe aquatic habitats and their inhabitants.
July 2008 Aquatic Natural History Workshop Schedule:
July 10 - 12, 2008
Thursday, July 10
| 10:00 am - noon | Check-in and get settled |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30 | Welcome and Introductions |
| 2:00 | Aquatic Ecology: An overview |
| Habitat. Ecology, Identification methods, Conservation | |
| 3:30 | Collecting and ID session in Middle Prong |
| 6:00 | Cookout |
| 7:00 | Appalachian Beach Party |
| 9:00 | Evening Assignment: Species Profiles |
Friday, July 11 |
|
| 8:00 am | Breakfast and pack sack lunch |
| 9:00 | Inhabitants of seeps and 1st order streams |
| Spray cliffs | |
| Pools | |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30 | River system – macroinvertebrates and fish |
| We’ll venture out of the park and into Towsend where the Little River widens and slows. We’ll get plenty wet as we explore the critters inhabiting these waters and compare them to those farther up river. | |
| 4:30 - 5:30 | Break- Time to Relax! |
| 5:30 | Supper |
| 7:00 | Appalachian Celebration |
Saturday, July 12 |
|
| 8:00 am | Breakfast and pack sack lunch |
| 8:30 | Field trip to a Swamp-Forest Bog Complex at The Sinks |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 1:00 | View Samples |
| 2:00 | Assessment of Learning |
| 3:00 | Wrap-up and Evaluations |