Phase III Reclamation ProjectPhase III Reclamation ProjectEnvironmental Science

C. Dianne Phillips, Instructor

Diego Rioja -Photographer and Field SpecialistNick Dillard -GPS Management Shannon Wade -Soil and Water Sample AnalystZac Prange -Soil and Water Sample Field SpecialistJeremy Adams – Field Data Collection Specialist

Project Overview Project Overview To analyze, identify

and describe the habitat of NWACC’s “Back-Forty.”

To aid in future preservation of this natural habitat.

Collect water and soil samples.

Gather GPS points of the area to accurately identify the boundaries of the area.

MethodsMethodsWe first plotted the

GPS points around the area to establish boundaries of preservation.

After plotting the exact GPS locations of the area, we took soil samples from various GPS points and mapped them accordingly.

We then took water samples from the small spring-fed pond and placed those on our GPS map as well.

Once all the samples were obtained, we then began to test the nutrients in the water and further classify soil types.

GPS PointsGPS PointsWe each took part in

the setup or operation of the Trimble GPS system.

Using the Trimble GPS system, we correctly plotted the exact points of the “Back-Forty” boundary and generated a working field map of the area.

Collecting GPS data in the field

Comparing field GPS data with Google Earth coordinates

Nick and Jeremy

Soil Sample Results Soil Sample Results After testing the soil using the Natural

Resources Conservation Classification System, we found the different types that occur naturally around the area and plotted each point on the GPS map.

Four Dominant Soil Types:◦ Sandy-clay Loam◦ Clay Loam◦ Silty-clay Loam◦ Sandy Loam

Soil Sample TableSoil Sample TableSample Top Middle Bottom Type

Soil Sample 1 Sandy-clay Loam Sandy-clay loam Loamy Clay Clay Loam

Soil Sample 2 Loam Silty-clay loam Silty-clay Loam Clay Loam

Soil Sample 3 Sandy Loam Sandy loam Clay Loam Sandy-clay Loam

Soil Sample 4 Sandy-clay Loam Silty-clay loam Clay Loam Silty-clay Loam

Soil Sample 5 Silty-clay Sandy-clay loam Clay-sand Loam Silty-clay Loam

Soil Sample 6 Sandy Loam Sandy-clay loam Silty-clay Loam Sandy-clay Loam

Soil Sample 7 Silty Loam Loam Loam Sandy Loam

Department of Agriculture Soil Classification, Natural Resources Conservation Classification System

Soil sample

Collecting Soil samples and GPS points

JeremyNick Shannon Diego

Water Sample ResultsWater Sample ResultsWe then took water samples from the

small spring-fed pond and used a Water Quality Sample Test Kit to determine the PH level and the amounts of ammonia, nitrates and phosphates.

spring fed pond

water tests – grab samples

Zac

Diego helps Ms. Phillips

Shannon & Zac

Lab Testing of Water Lab Testing of Water SamplesSamples

Zac

Shannon, Jeremy and Zac

Water Sample TableWater Sample TableTests: Sample 1 2 3 4

Ammonia Lt. Yellow:

present in small

amounts

Lt. Yellow:

present in small

amounts

Lt. Yellow:

present in small

amounts

Lt. Yellow:

present in small

amounts

Nitrates No Color:

None

No Color:

None

No Color:

None

No Color:

None

Phosphates Lt. Blue:

present in small

amounts

Lt. Blue:

present in small

amounts

Lt. Blue:

present in small

amounts

Lt. Blue:

present in small

amounts

pH pH7 pH7 pH7 pH7

In House Water Quality Sample Test Kit

Student ExperienceStudent Experience Each student was given

the opportunity to interact with the environment through field work and data collection techniques.

We learned field data collection techniques as well as simple laboratory testing techniques.

We were introduced to technology and developed communication skills.

We also learned the importance of teamwork and commitment when working in small groups.

With the help of campus professors, we learned how to network locally.

Most importantly, we contributed to the future preservation of a small and natural habitat on our college campus.

Shannon, Jeremy, Nick, Diego and Zac (photographer)

TechnologyTechnologyTrimble GPSGoogle EarthWater Quality sample test kitsMicrosoft Power Point, Front Page

(Webdesign), Excel, WordDigital Camera

Community ContactsCommunity ContactsDianne Phillips, EAST/EMPACTS

Facilitator, Math & Science Faculty, NWACC

Dr. Michael Canoy, Adjunct Math & Science Faculty, NWACC

Dr. Marvin Galloway, Dean of Math & Science, NWACC

Daniel Lowe, EAST/EMPACTS Student, Phase III Reclamation Project, NWACC

ConclusionConclusionOur research revealed a viable habitat filled

with animal and plant life. The Phase III reclamation area is capable of sustaining life and the area should be preserved.

In testing the pond, we found abundant aquatic animal and plant life. The surrounding soils were capable of sustaining field grasses, forests and a natural “wetland.”

With the proper commitment and tools, the “Back-Forty” can be a self-maintaining habitat which may one day become an amazing interactive classroom.