Bio-assessment and Monitoring at Beautiful Eagle Creek
Dr. Checo Colón-Gaud, Dr. Jamie Roberts, Dr. Abid Shaikh, Departments of Biology and Chemistry ($31,787)
They proposed research/monitoring and education/outreach efforts at Beautiful Eagle Creek with emphasis on 4 key elements geared to (1) enhance riparian and in-stream habitats (2) implement environmental outreach, education and training projects that integrate university students, local area schools, and community groups (3) provide measurable results including guidelines for ecological restoration of the site, student training and the development of yearly programs that foster citizen science and environmental sustainability (4) fostering partnerships that engage a diverse group of university and community entities to achieve ecological and educational outcomes. They created a structured research/education program designed to monitor conditions at the site, primarily focusing on metrics of biological integrity. They further strengthened the preparation of our students and the efforts of community-based advocacy groups by providing education and outreach opportunities that focus on natural resources in the region, particularly the conservation of freshwater habitats