Reecer Creek Cross Sections and Stream Sedimentation

To visualize the change in the bed of Reecer Creek since the reconstruction of the riparian zone in 2011, we collected cross-sectional depth data from multiple sites in the restored zone. Combining past data from the same locations with the types and amount of sedimentation in the area, we were able to interpret how the creek has adapted to its new meandering course in the floodplain

Geographical Variations in Black Carbon around Ellensburg, Washington

Ellensburg High School Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental class used a black carbon Aethalometer to record the concentration of black carbon in multiple locations around Ellensburg during the winter of 2015. We compared black carbon concentrations over both elevation and location. Black carbon is ultrafine particulate pollution that can be absorbed into the lungs and cause respiratory problems

Reecer Creek Sediment Size and Embeddedness

The sediment particles in any given stream are a vital factor in determining the suitability of a given location for salmon habitats. The size of the sediment particles and how deeply they are buried in the streambed (i.e., embeddedness), in particular, are major determining factors for redd survival. We took a random sample of sediment particle sizes and embeddedness and, ultimately, found that there are some midstream and upstream sites suitable for the construction of salmon redds, while the downstream location is uninhabitable

Optimal Wetland for Ellensburg

We researched the carbon dioxide emissions and water pollution for our county, along with the methods and practices involved in constructing a wetland. We then looked at our local climate and geography to determine the ideal location to implement a resulting wetland that would sequester our produced greenhouse gas and purify our water. Our plan incorporated the calculated cost of installation and maintenance, and the long term benefits of the system

Black Carbon Levels within the Ellensburg Community

The Ellensburg High School Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental class measured the concentration of black carbon throughout the community in winter 2015. Using an aethalometer, we determined black carbon levels both indoors and outdoors, at schools, and at public spaces. Understanding black carbon is important because it is composed of ultrafine particles which can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as directly contributing to global warming

Willows and Soil Invertebrates at Reecer Creek, Ellensburg, Washington

We studied the changes over time in the riparian zone of the Reecer Creek Flood Plain Restoration Project in Ellensburg, Washington, which is a stream restoration project constructed in 2011. We studied the populations of native versus nonnative willows and the diversity of soil invertebrate species. We have documented the return of soil invertebrates to Reecer Creek and an establishment of volunteer native willows since 2011

Macro-Invertebrate and Water Quality of Reecer Creek

We studied the Reecer Creek Restoration Project’s Ellensburg, Washington, health through water quality testing and macro-invertebrate monitoring. Macro-invertebrate life can be correlated to the characteristics of the water in the creek by identifying indicator species. Additionally, the water quality of the stream would reveal the overall health. Many factors contribute to the quality of the water and macro invertebrate lif

Expanding Environmental Awareness in our Hispanic Community

In 2014, we educated Hispanic families about the 3 Rs (i.e., Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and documented their improvements. In 2015, we want to educate more families about the 3 Rs and also about other ways they can reduce their resource use. To broaden our reach, we plan to create a event in which we focus on children so they can spread the word with their parents and other adults. We plan to teach about the 3 Rs and other topics like energy use and how it will benefit our community environmentally and economically

Building Better Burning Bubbles

The aim of our project is to design and evaluate a feasible offshore hydrogen generation plant off the coast of Washington State. Our plant will utilize existing offshore wind and wave generator technology to produce electricity that will power electrolysis. The purpose of the plant is to create a feasible hydrogen generation solution to allow for the phasing out of conventional gasoline

Imagine Tomorrow Transportation

We will map the routes of each high school going to the Imagine Tomorrow Competition in Pullman, Washington, and use this to identify the best carpooling system. We will attempt to implement this solution for this year’s event. We will also document this process and explore reasons for resistance to carpooling to this event and in general