Bronx River Field Study

Students of Ms. Davies' Living Environment class took a trip to the Bronx River guided by Ms. Naomi Schwartz, doctoral student from Columbia University. This was the first of a four month long study to assess water quality by sampling macroinvertebrates. Ms. Schwartz visited the class twice in preparation for this trip, leading lessons on stream ecology and macroinvertebrate identification. Students caught a number of scud, a freshwater crustacean species, and one black fly larva. It took some time for students to master the techniques involved, however they are looking forward to making leaf packs in April to attract macroinvertebrates, and test different sites along the Bronx River. Photos are courtesy of Dr. Jay Dubner of Columbia University.