Phase III Reclamation Project
Environmental Science
C. Dianne Phillips, Instructor
Diego Rioja -Photographer and Field Specialist
Nick Dillard -GPS Management
Shannon Wade -Soil and Water Sample Analyst
Zac Prange -Soil and Water Sample Field Specialist
Jeremy Adams – Field Data Collection Specialist
Project Overview

To analyze, identify
and describe the
habitat of NWACC’s
“Back-Forty.”

To aid in future
preservation of this
natural habitat.

Collect water and
soil samples.

Gather GPS points of
the area to accurately
identify the
boundaries of the
area.
Methods

We first plotted the
GPS points around the
area to establish
boundaries of
preservation.

We then took water
samples from the small
spring-fed pond and
placed those on our
GPS map as well.

After plotting the
exact GPS locations of
the area, we took soil
samples from various
GPS points and
mapped them
accordingly.

Once all the samples
were obtained, we
then began to test the
nutrients in the water
and further classify soil
types.
GPS Points

We each took part in
the setup or operation
of the Trimble GPS
system.

Using the Trimble GPS
system, we correctly
plotted the exact
points of the “BackForty” boundary and
generated a working
field map of the area.
Comparing field GPS data with
Google Earth coordinates
Collecting GPS data in the field
Nick and Jeremy
Soil Sample Results

After testing the soil using the Natural
Resources Conservation Classification System,
we found the different types that occur naturally
around the
area and plotted each point on the GPS map.

Four Dominant Soil
Types:
◦
◦
◦
◦
Sandy-clay Loam
Clay Loam
Silty-clay Loam
Sandy Loam
Soil Sample Table
Sample
Top
Soil Sample 1
Middle
Bottom
Type
Sandy-clay Loam Sandy-clay loam
Loamy Clay
Clay Loam
Soil Sample 2
Loam
Silty-clay loam
Silty-clay Loam
Clay Loam
Soil Sample 3
Sandy Loam
Sandy loam
Clay Loam
Sandy-clay Loam
Soil Sample 4
Sandy-clay Loam Silty-clay loam
Clay Loam
Silty-clay Loam
Soil Sample 5
Silty-clay
Sandy-clay loam
Clay-sand Loam
Silty-clay Loam
Soil Sample 6
Sandy Loam
Sandy-clay loam
Silty-clay Loam
Sandy-clay Loam
Soil Sample 7
Silty Loam
Loam
Loam
Sandy Loam
Department of Agriculture Soil Classification, Natural Resources Conservation Classification System
Soil sample
Jeremy
Nick
Shannon
Diego
Collecting Soil samples and GPS points
Water Sample Results

We then took water samples from the small
spring-fed pond and used a Water Quality Sample
Test Kit to determine the PH level and the
amounts of ammonia, nitrates and phosphates.
spring fed pond
Shannon & Zac
Zac
Diego helps Ms. Phillips
water tests – grab samples
Lab Testing of Water Samples
Zac
Shannon, Jeremy and Zac
Water Sample Table
Tests:
Sample 1
2
3
4
Ammonia
Lt. Yellow:
Lt. Yellow:
Lt. Yellow:
Lt. Yellow:
present in small
present in small
present in small
present in small
amounts
amounts
amounts
amounts
No Color:
No Color:
No Color:
No Color:
None
None
None
None
Lt. Blue:
Lt. Blue:
Lt. Blue:
Lt. Blue:
present in small
present in small
present in small
present in small
amounts
amounts
amounts
amounts
pH7
pH7
pH7
pH7
Nitrates
Phosphates
pH
In House Water Quality Sample Test Kit
Student Experience

Each student was given the
opportunity to interact with
the environment through field
work and data collection
techniques.

We learned field data collection
techniques as well as simple
laboratory testing techniques.

We were introduced to
technology and developed
communication skills.

We also learned the
importance of teamwork and
commitment when working in
small groups.

With the help of campus
professors, we learned how
to network locally.

Most importantly, we
contributed to the future
preservation of a small and
natural habitat on our college
campus.
Shannon, Jeremy, Nick, Diego and Zac (photographer)
Technology
Trimble GPS
 Google Earth
 Water Quality sample test kits
 Microsoft Power Point, Front Page
(Webdesign), Excel, Word
 Digital Camera

Community Contacts

Dianne Phillips, EAST/EMPACTS Facilitator, Math
& Science Faculty, NWACC

Dr. Michael Canoy, Adjunct Math & Science
Faculty, NWACC

Dr. Marvin Galloway, Dean of Math & Science,
NWACC

Daniel Lowe, EAST/EMPACTS Student, Phase III
Reclamation Project, NWACC
Conclusion

Our research revealed a viable habitat filled with
animal and plant life. The Phase III reclamation area is
capable of sustaining life and the area should be
preserved.

In testing the pond, we found abundant aquatic animal
and plant life. The surrounding soils were capable of
sustaining field grasses, forests and a natural
“wetland.”

With the proper commitment and tools, the “BackForty” can be a self-maintaining habitat which may
one day become an amazing interactive classroom.