removing sweetgum

The team assembles!

Method of collection using a kick net

Above: netted macros taken to a table for sorting

Above:Students begn the tedious process of sorting  invertebrates into sampling trays for analysis

Above: a volunteer Id’s and records the number of each type  macroinvertebrate collected

Above: Sometimes ID requires careful scrutiny. Here a student uses a field microscope to properly ID a specimen

Sampling tray (above) Hellgramite larva (below)

 Students from Lake Braddock High School practice utilize acquired skills in AP Environmental Science this year to collect macroinvertebrates in Popes Head Creek.  A sample of size of 700+ macroinvertebrates were collected.  Prior collections indicated a rich diversity of macroinvertebrates in comparison to other Fairfax County streams.  However, diversity doesn’t always equate to “good” stream quality. The abundance or dominance of  pollution tolerant species over less pollution tolerant species collected  indicate a poor rating for stream quality on this occasion.

Below: Awaiting the results of the survey

Groups finished with their sampling observe from the comforts of the frozen stream bank awaiting the final results.