Materials and Methods

An accurate map was constructed of the grassy area surrounding the future wetlands and adjacent forest. Data was compiled using a tape measure and a compass along with flags as markers for reference. The data from this map was then compared to the map of ponds constructed by the class of 1998 (Carter, 2000, p. 25-28). Soil from various areas around the campus was tested. One of these areas is Five Falls Creek. The soil was tested for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents. A subjective analysis was done to determine if the soil was clay, clay-loam, or loam. Also a mechanical analysis was done using a sieve set (Carter, 2000, p. 59-60). Surveys of both plants and animals were taken. For the fauna survey, the area was observed for an amount of time noting any fauna seen. The results were categorized either by order, or class. For the flora survey an area of 16 square meters was measured, and all of the shrubs in the area were documented. A smaller area, a rectangle measuring ¼ m x 4 m, was used in documenting the herbs (Carter, 2000, p. 37-45). A random pairs tree analysis was performed on the Maple Creek area. This was done using a tape measure to measure the distances between trees, and a tree tape to measure the circumference of the trees (Carter, 2000, p. 46-48). The environmental factors of the area were also studied. Using a light meter the intensity of the sunlight at different levels, (head height vs. ground height), was measured. A sling psychrometer was used to measure air temperature along with the relative humidity. A soil thermometer was used to measure the temperature of the soil, and a wind speed meter was used to measure wind speed, again at different heights. These tests were performed on different areas such as by the ponds, in a shaded grassy area, and in West Woods (Carter, 2000, p. 71-73). Different aquatic habitats were also evaluated. These studies compare the stream area with the pond area in terms of the differences in the plant and animal components. For this experiment a plankton net and test tube is used to collect a concentration of organisms from an area to be observed under the microscope (Carter, 2000, p. 79-82). Water samples were also taken to be tested. Water analysis titrations were performed on these sample to test for dissolved water, chloride content, hardness, and acidity (Carter, 2000, p.74-78). A mark and recapture experiment was performed on whirligig beetles. Aquatic D nets were used to catch the insects, and white-out was used to mark them (Carter, 2000, p. 1-2).