How do scientists conduct a field study and how do they measure the health of an ecosystem? Join the Barrington Land Conservation Trust on a science expedition for the whole family in Johannis Farm Wildlife Preserve. Peek under leaves and discover the micro-world beneath your feet. Learn how scientists count and use living organisms from lichen to salamanders to determine the health of both forests and ponds. Families will take a short walk through the Johannis Farm Preserve to a study site beneath secondary growth forest next to a vernal pond. Here the group will act as scientists, pull up bate bags from the pond and identify water invertebrates, surveying the leaf litter and interpreting their data. Children will go on a food web scavenger hunt and seed strategy walk in the same area. It is recommended that you wear long pants, shoes and socks and bring mosquito/tick spray.
Please meet at Sowams School at 10:30 and the group will carpool over due to parking limitations at Johannis. Rain date June 9th from 12-1:30.
The walk and activities will be lead by Amy O’Donnell of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust. Amy is a biology teacher who has worked with scientists at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC and now works as a science staff developer and curriculum writer at URI.