Western Albemarle High School, September, 2019
Community Ecology Investigation
ISSUE INVESTIGATION: Are there invasive species in Rattlesnake Spring? If there are, what impacts
are they having on the biodiversity, ecological structure, and processes of Rattlesnake Spring?
BEFORE FIELD INVESTIGATION: Background research (2 reading resources provided by Blandy):
1. Wetland system ecology
2. Invasive species ecology
FIELD INVESTIGATION: Are invasive species a problem? Cause, Consequences & Control of Invasive
Species in Blandy Experimental Farm’s Rattlesnake Spring wetland
AFTER FIELD INVESTIGATION: Write a research report that describes the environmental issue,
summarizes the background information, contains analysis and synthesis of the field data, and
describes management recommendations for Rattlesnake Spring.
DRAFT Field Investigation Schedule
DAY 1: 1:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Time
Topic
1-1:30 p.m. - Introduction to the investigative task; Review of background
literature
1:30-2 p.m. - Map the wetland using aerial photos
2-3:00 p.m. - Examine the Rattlesnake Spring ecosystem, identify aquatic animals
& plants
2:30-4:00
p.m.
4-5:30 p.m.
-
Identify the ecosystem issue to investigate; Design the
investigation; Gather research supplies & equipment
Begin data collection
5:30 p.m.
- Return all field equipment & supplies to the PLC
Dinner on your own and self-guided exploration
DAY 2: 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Time
Topic
8:30-9:00
- Review investigation process & data from Day 1
a.m.
- Devise investigation plan for Day 2
9-10:30
- Complete data collection at Rattlesnake Spring
a.m.
10:30-11:15
- Synthesis of data and observations
a.m.
- Discussion of methods, pros and cons of the research
design, challenges of field ecology
- Completion of project at school—next steps
11:15-12
- Careers and Research at the Arboretum: Meet with Jack
p.m.
Monsted, Arboretum Assistant Curator, manager of
Rattlesnake Spring and other native ecosystems at Blandy
Location
PLC
PLC
Rattlesnake
Spring
PLC
Rattlesnake
Spring
PLC
Location
PLC
Rattlesnake
Spring
PLC
PLC/Grounds