Swimming the Watershed

On a early Tuesday morning, the A block Apes class set out to the Blackwater river watersheds and examine the what these waters contain. We were at these locations to examine the ABCDEE's in the water. The ABCDEE stands for A=Abiotic, B=Biotic, C=Cycle, D=Diversity, E=Evolution, and E=Energy. The main purpose of this trip was to understand what our local waters contain.

We left campus on a warm September day and was brought to our first location near the rail trail. Alan explained to us what were examining and what we needed to take down as information. The class and I walked along the buggy trail and found a little spot where we could examine the water. The water levels were pretty low, since we could see through the water. The temperature of the water was 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The turbidity of the water included stone flies in the water, three little tails, flat bodies, and extremely pollution intolerant. The phosphate level was 1. The PH of the water was neutral. This location was interesting one because of its water level but is still a great spot to swim in and explore.

After leaving the water near the rail trail, we headed to the river behind the Blackwater diner. Everyone hopped out of the bus with excitement to explore the new location. The river had a lot more life in it. We could hear birds chirping, frogs croaking, fish swimming, and see aquatic insects. Also there was green algea living in families or alone on rocks in the bottom of the river. The water wasn't to deep but was shallow where we entered through. The water temperature was 71.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The phosphate level of the water was 1. The PH level of the river was 
neutral. The water had a lot life in and around it, which was really interesting to examine.

As we rushed from the river and were missing advisory, our last location was pleasant lake. Walking out from the bus I saw the stunning lake and how perfect it looked on that Tuesday morning. The body of water had a different set up with clear water and a small little beach on the other side of it. Lake pleasant is a human enhanced spot, for water collection and recreation. There was a cement spill way where we were and was distributing water in and out the lake. The temperature of the water was 75 degrees Fahrenheit and with the sun glaring on it. The PH level was neutral. The phosphate level was originally a 1 and raised as we got onto the to a 4. The lake was personally my favorite stop to explore during the trip.


































As we headed back to school I learned so much from the all the waters we examined. I was shocked with some of the things the water contained and all the trees surrounding them were so similar. The river near the rail trail, river behind the Blackwater diner, and Pleasant Lake changed my perspective on how fascinating the waters near Proctor are. The environment is truly incredible as you explore it and find out what it really is.