CHANGE: Buck mountain data should be taken bimonthly in 2020-21 because we found significant differences between it and Rocky but the data was limited and a drought was in effect in the fall of 2019. Effort must also go into monitoring the upper Rocky site.

ADD: Start Mussel site 2 and chemical/benthic

ADD: We have started on the second site on rocky by clearing a path to the water and along the water. We have also set marking stakes in the ground. We are ready to start testing for next year.

ADD: eDNA: This year, we start to learn how to manipulate one of the most advanced technologies in the field of environmental science with the help from the Biotechnology & Ethics seminar - Environmental DNA (eDNA). This technology allows us to obtain genetic material directly from environmental samples like soils, sediments, water, etc. without any obvious signs of biological source material. eDNA is an efficient, non-invasive and easy-to-standardize sampling approach that will enhance our study in mussels significantly. We have successfully conducted a controlled experiment in our lab under the help of eDNA experts, demonstrating that this technology is feasible for even high school labs.

CONTINUE: The mussel location study needs to be reinstituted. We did not collect any data on where the mussels are located. The decision was made to minimize the impact we made on the mussel population because Rocky Creek was reduced to approximately 30% of its normal flow due to the prolonged drought experienced in the fall. In order to survive, the mussels migrated to the remaining water. Direct evidence of this was seen in several cases. The data would have been interesting, but the impact on the already stressed system was of concern. In several cases we physically moved specimens from isolated wet areas to the main channel to prevent predation from the recorded raccoons and death from drying out.