Saturday, August 8, 2009

Day 3 - August 6, 2009



Day 3: Second day in the field

Today started around 7 am as every other day. We were really tired from yesterday and had decided to wake up around 6:45 and that’s what happened. Actually, we woke up at 6:50. We had a breakfast and then we put on our bug jackets & hip waders and left to collect some data and fishes. What we got the most were the bugs, of course. We were divided in three groups. I (Varun) and Drake worked on fish & tadpoles collection with Dr. Cash. Jo and Caity took physical measurements (circumference, depth, etc.) of the wetland with Scott. Lan and Rilka worked on the water quality with Leanne. They measured the pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity of the water. Lan had some bad luck and fell down in the water. But we all had a good time and we enjoyed it.

We got back to the study center around 11:30 and some of us popped on to the facebook. We had a lunch around 12 and then I, Jo and Drake had a long nap. At 1:30 we met back at the classroom. Here we learned about the frog calling dynamics. Then I and Drake worked on the frog calling dynamics that were recorded on June 20, 2007. I scored one tape and Drake scored two tapes. Lan and Rilka worked on the water samples they had collected in the morning. Jo and Caity went out on the field with Dr. Cash to put some fish traps in the water for tomorrow. They had real fun. Here is the lab, we had some relaxing time. I really enjoyed it. What could be more fun than listing to frog calls?

Around 5:30 we had a dinner. Then I, Drake, Jo, Caity, Scott and Dr. Cash went on a small hike. It was fun, but really buggy. We had a good time. We caught one wood frog and took some pictures. We came back at 7:30 and then watched, “Catch me if you can”. Ultimately, today was awesome and we had lots of fun.

- Varun.



2 comments:

  1. Can we get some pictures of swarms of mosquitoes?

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  2. Each time I hear from Rilka, I am inspired at learning details of the wonderful experience that she and the other 5 team-members are sharing. Not only are they doing engaging and challenging work in the field at least once or twice each day but they are also learning to analyze the data that they are collecting and to understand why the work is important. Often, after that, they listen to talks by researchers who are doing other fascinating projects related to climate change, or are seeing films about relevant topics. Of course there is adequate down time to nap, play games, see recreational films, call home or email friends.

    Doing well in school doesn't guarantee that life-changing learning is taking place. This expedition, though, is guaranteed to alter their views of themselves and the world in ways that we cannot now imagine.

    The scientists involved, as well as the support staff (I hear that the food is great), are making the most of the short time that this team has the privilege of visiting this remote gem of a place. It is worth noting that the opportunities to see polar bears, beluga whales and, perhaps, northern lights, and to learn about native Eskimo culture and history are byproducts of the experience they are having as opposed to sightseeing goals. As theses 6 seventeen year olds trudge through the tundra each day, surrounded by swarming mosquitoes, separted from them only by protective netting, they have the privilege of being part of the environment that they are studying rather than tourist bystanders.

    I have no doubt that some of the participants will become passionate advocates for the issues that they are uncovering in the sounds of the frogs and the pH of the melted ice.


    Susan, Rilka's mom

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