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