Environmental Science Stream Ecology Summary:

The PCC environmental science class conducted a stream survey of the south fork of the Ninnescah River in Lemon’s Park. A total of 18 students participated in the survey which included a habitat, biological and chemical assessment of the stream.
 
This activity provides students hands-on experience that enables them to gain an understanding of the ecology of small Kansas streams. Some of the concerns that were identified by the data collected included high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and ammonia, as well as the displacement of native Kansas fish populations by rough and sport fish that have been introduced into the watershed. 
 
Ryan Waters and several biologists from the environmental services department of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks assisted the students with the collection of fish and macro invertebrates.  This on-going project could not be accomplished without the assistance from the biologists at KDWP, as their efforts in making this a meaningful learning experience are greatly appreciated.