Lynn Connor’s ORRHS 11th grade Environmental Science class performed field research on Eel Pond between September and November with funds provided by the Mattapoisett Land Trust. The MLT grant covered transportation costs from the school to the sensitive ecosystem where the student collected data and performed tests.
On May 14, the students gave their report to the MLT members during the organization’s annual meeting. Tim Schroeder, Mattapoisett; Nicole Ochoa, Fairhaven; Matthew Kiernan, Mattapoisett; Emily Newell, Mattapoisett; Christian Sansoucy, Rochester; and Connor Farney, Mattapoisett, along with their teacher, gave the news that Eel Pond is very sick.
The data the students collected indicate that extremely high nutrient levels in the water at an area where tidal currents do not contribute sufficiently to flushing create the perfect environment for algae blooms. The students said the algae eat up all the oxygen in the water leading to lethal impact on saltwater species.
The students’ conclusion is that fertilizers and septic runoff are contributing factors to the nutrients evidenced in the water samples.
Connor, a certified instructor for GLOBE (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment), has partnered with the MLT for over a decade bringing her students into the natural setting to conduct research. The students also collect information on the types of animals they observe, weather conditions, and if any alien species inhabit the area.
The data collected is then uploaded to the GLOBE platform where researchers and the general public can access it via the Internet.
When asked how the 2015 studies compared to 2014, the students said that although the pond water was still critically problematic, the data demonstrated that Eel Pond is about the same as in 2014 – no better, no worse.
The students also tried to come up with solutions to problems they identified. In this case, they determined that putting greater distance between developed sites and natural resources would help, along with public sewer systems and vegetated barriers.
Also presenting at the annual meeting was Marla Isaac of New England Reptiles and Raptors.
Isaac, a federally-licensed handler for these species, gave a talk on the animals while delighting a crowd of about 75 people – young and old alike – with owls, hawks, and snakes. Of the previously endangered bald eagle, she said there are 52 nesting sites presently in Massachusetts, a good sign that the bird is back from extinction in this area.
Isaac said that it took animals thousands of years to evolve, but that in a single decade mankind can wipe them out. Looking at the children seated on the floor she said, “We are the impact that can do them in.”
Isaac is working towards acquiring land in the region for a wildlife sanctuary. She said her mission is to teach people to respect wildlife, to dispel myths, and to leave a legacy behind when she is gone.
Earlier in the day, the MLT invited the public to visit their newly-opened trail and parking area at 30 Prospect Road where a new kiosk has been installed. The trail connects to the Brownell blueberry patch that is part of the Hiller trail off Route 6.
By Marilou Newell