During the second week of the EcoLogik program, these young scientists covered more material than most adults could even fathom. Monday and Tuesday we dived into the creation and experimental execution of Biomimetic Loggers. Using RaspberryPi's, the students learned how to code a thermostat, which we...
In order to determine the success of tree thinnings and treatments, forest monitoring is conducted to quantify the changes of the forest health. The best part about forest monitoring is using all of the different gadgets to measure the growth of the forest. We use a...
The last few weeks here have been busy with field preparations and field work. Because we are working with insects, there are many details that go into preparing transects and in making sure we pack enough of what we need before going out. Aside from...
Listening to the sound of water running through streams or rivers soothes me. I enjoy feeling the fresh current run through my hands. Who knew this is what a day in my internship would be like?! [caption id="attachment_2442" align="alignleft" width="258"] Water monitoring probe in stream[/caption] I had...
In the broadest sense, nature is our world in the physical, material and natural form. It is everything not made by the human race. For me, nature serves as a place of tranquility, worship, culture and love. At the same time though, it can be...
This past school year I started a bird club at Wade Carpenter Middle School in an effort to get students to participate in citizen science. Citizen science is collaborative networking between scientists and everyday citizens. Through citizen science people can contribute to scientific data. For example,...
Today marks the completion of my first week as a Biological Technician with Lassen Volcanic National Park (LAVO), and I can say with certainty that it exceeded all expectations I had. LAVO, which was established as a national park by Congress in 1916, encompasses approximately...
The days were already longer to begin with than what I was previously used to in Los Angeles. However, now that summer is here, I'm finding myself outside for longer periods of time as the days go by. Summer days in Colorado have so far...
I’ve always wondered if I had the patience to be a birder. On Thursday of this week, I found that with a bit more sunblock, I definitely did. My supervisor here in the Interpretation Division has organized times for me to partner with another park department,...
I've officially started recording! I got my best recordings from birds at Clingman's Dome, the highest point at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fun facts about Clingman's Dome is that at 6,643 ft, it is the highest point in Tennessee and the highest point east...