Forested Streams Sample Collection

On Friday 2/24/2012 around 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., we returned to the forested streams located within Camp Robinson to collect water samples for water quality. We were able to take water samples from both the unamed tributary that we are sampling as well as from Newton Creek before we ran out of time. Winifree Creek is still left to sample from in this area. We marked off a 100 meter area of stream and using a random number generator, we took samples from two transects in both streams. We measured pH, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity, nitrate levels, phosphorus levels, leaf litter, and algae in the water. After collecting samples using the probes we collected some water samples for further testing of nitrates and phosphorus levels, as well as samples of algae which will be measured in the lab.

Forested Streams by Water Quality Group

the geomorphology group did not get as much data collected as anticipated, on feb 24th. It will probably take at least two more trips to the forested headwater streams in camp robinson in order to finish the data collection.

Yesterday, we visited the Camp Robinson site.  During this visit we were able to measure and obtain data to add to our proposal.  We were only able to measure one of the three streams there.  Collecting data is a very time consuming job in these forested streams.  First, we as a team marked off 100m of the stream.  Then we divided the 100m into three transects.  Within these transects we took our measurements and data. While there, we measured width, depth, bank slope, and the lithology of the stream.  Looking forward to returning to finish up the other two streams there at Camp Robinson. 

Camp Robinson Invert and Diatom Sampling
  Yesterday we met with Ed and Mark from ADEQ as well as Bruce from Camp Robinson to begin sampling our Camp Robinson sites.  Ed and Mark offered a lot of insight into invert sampling and told us some ways we could change our methods to better fit our sites.  They were right because we ended up with a ton of invertebrates.  We also sampled diatoms which was quick and easy.  Unfortunately, we were only able to sample Newton Creek, but made plans to go back on Thursday (Mar 1st) to sample Winifree Creek and the unnamed tributary.  Now that we have a better idea of our methods sampling the other sites should go fairly fast.  We took all of our samples back to the lab at UCA for the weekend.  I'm anxious to see what all we collected once we start going through the samples next week. 

Lee sampling for invertebrates at Newton Creek.

Diatom samples at Newton Creek.

A stonefly we caught at Newton Creek.

Geomorphology equipment list

• meter tapes (2)
• meter stick
• small ruler
• stakes
• clinometer

Urban Sites

Last week we met and discussed our proposal with Dr. Entrekin. This was very helpful because we narrowed down many of our objectives as well as the methods that we are performing. We recieved some useful edits to help write our proposal. On Friday we went and visited many of the urban streams that we are going to be sampling from. This concluded visiting all of the streams and now we have been to all of the areas that we will be sampling from. In many of the urban streams there is much signs of human impacts on the streams. The first stream flows under a bridge that is completely channelized and has much rocky substrate added by humans which greatly affects the riparian zone. The second stream is impacted greatly by sediment runoff being located right next to a sports complex and near some large wetlands. The final urban stream is located right next to a golf course and has been channelized by the road running alongside and the golf course on the other side. Also it runs through several culverts and the close proximity to the golf course should result in high fertilizer and pesticide runoff.

Equipment List Water Quality

pH Probe
Dissolved Oxygen Probe
Measuring Tape
Temperature Probe
Ziploc Bags (100)
Conductivity Probe
5 Gallon Buckets
Siphon Samplers
Spectrophotometer
HACH Powder Pillow
Ascorbic Acid Reagent
Muffle Furnace
Turbidity Probe
Brown Paper Bags
Plastic Sample
Razor Blade
Chem Wipes
Distilled Water

Last Thursday Meeting

So our meeting went well with Dr. Entrekin. We realized as a group that we kind of aren't good writers but that our ideas are pretty solid. Dr. Entrekin really helped with our methodology and how we are to sample. That really helped us because a lot of the paper we read were way out of our expertise and involved super hard sampling techniques. But the ideas that they had flowed pretty well with the project that we are doing. I feel that we are now more aware of what we need to be doing and sampling won't be difficult with what our group is trying to sample. The new Maumelle sites that we visited will work well for our project I think. Being by an a. apartment complex, b. a newly built baseball complex, and c. a golf course are pretty legitimate sites. Even though the second site by the baseball complex was kind of disappointing at first, I think we all are aware that urban sites aren't necessarily natural... a ditch of some sort definitely shows signs of urbanization, which is perfect for this project. I thought it was really neat how Scott showed us the different wetlands that are still very natural around Maumelle. Gives us something pretty to look at while we're testing at these urban sites.

Urban Stream Site 3

Bayou in the Suburb

Urban Stream Site 2

Photos of first Urban Site

WOB scouting photos

These photos were taken on February 17th.

Group Meeting with Advisor 2/21/12

Today all three groups met with Dr. Entrekin today just to kind of touch base organize. We established that we will meet Ed and Bruce to visit the Camp Robinson sites this Friday. We will have mapped out our exact sampling methods by Thursday when we will meet with Dr. Entrekin again to confirm our methods before our trip on Friday. Dr. Entrekin also reminded us of the steering committee meeting coming up. We then broke into our groups to work on editing our proposals.

Urban Sites 2/17/12

Friday February 17 we visited the urban streams we will be sampling. The first site is near an apartment complex. The banks are very steep and covered in man-made rocks. The second site is more of a wetland pool near a baseball field. The third site is a narrow stream along a golf course. All three sites are fairly close to a road, at least a lot closer than the forested sites. This is expected to increase nitrogen levels due to fertilizer runoff.

Group Meeting with Advisor 2/16/12

Last Thursday the water quality group met with Dr. Entrekin to discuss the first draft of our proposal. Overall, we have our main idea and just need to reorganize our proposal. She also gave us some suggestions that will greater simplify our sampling methods. We now have a clearer idea of our goals and how we will achieve them. We will edit our proposal and turn in a final draft Friday February 24.

Maps of sites in Maumelle, AR

Map of all sampling sites within the White Oak Bayou

Today is February 21st and we met with Dr. Sally regarding our proposal.  The process is very demanding.  We will be visiting the Camp Robison site on Friday, and will be gathering information regarding the sinuosity, width and depth, and the riparian vegetation surrounding each stream at Camp Robinson.  Hope to get lots of helpful information regarding each of these topics.

White Oak Bayou Management Plan

http://maumelle.org/city-departments/planning-a-zoning/white-oak-bayou-wetland-management-plan.html

Camp Robinson Information

Camp Robinson

National Weather Service - MaumelleWeather.com - Maumelle

Day 1: Getting started

Websites
Links
White Oak Bayou Conservation Link - Marissa
Weather - Casey
USGS Hydrographs - Lee
Maps - Misty and Carolyn
Camp Robinson Base Activities - Travis
Phone Numbers - Brittani
E-mail
Sampling Dates: Where and When?
Summarize Field Trips
Summarize Advisor Meetings