Community-Engaged Learning in Geosciences at "Erwin Fish Hatchery"
Abstract
Since 2017, ETSU Principles of Hydrology course has included a 5-6 week-long field research project that engages students in an authentic field research experience with community partners. Building on this tradition, in October 2024, geosciences students from ETSU partnered with the Erwin National Fish Hatchery to meet the hatchery’s need for a detailed water quality assessment. They focused on two natural springs—critical water sources for hatchery operations—examining their hydrologic behavior and water quality, specifically whether they share an origin and how rainfall influences turbidity. Using ISCO water samplers, YSI probes, water level loggers, and turbidity meters, students tracked water levels and chemistry daily and hourly at the main spring, and daily at a secondary spring for two weeks. Statistical analysis, including t-tests, suggested the springs have separate origins, informing the hatchery’s water management strategies. Correlation analysis revealed no significant rainfall-turbidity link at the main spring, pointing to natural filtration processes—an unexpected result given typical rainfall impact. Cross-correlation revealed a 4-5 day delayed water level response to rainfall, suggesting a recharge source outside the immediate watershed. This project enhanced students’ technical and analytical skills, immersing them in environmental monitoring challenges like managing missing data. The findings enhanced the hatchery’s ability to manage their water resources, crucial for local ecosystems and fish production. The collaboration supported sustainable water management and the hatchery’s community role by providing actionable insights. This student-led effort highlights the power of applied research, preparing participants for environmental consulting careers while strengthening community resilience through science.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 10:00 AM
Room Number
210
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Community Engaged Showcase
Community-Engaged Learning in Geosciences at "Erwin Fish Hatchery"
210
Since 2017, ETSU Principles of Hydrology course has included a 5-6 week-long field research project that engages students in an authentic field research experience with community partners. Building on this tradition, in October 2024, geosciences students from ETSU partnered with the Erwin National Fish Hatchery to meet the hatchery’s need for a detailed water quality assessment. They focused on two natural springs—critical water sources for hatchery operations—examining their hydrologic behavior and water quality, specifically whether they share an origin and how rainfall influences turbidity. Using ISCO water samplers, YSI probes, water level loggers, and turbidity meters, students tracked water levels and chemistry daily and hourly at the main spring, and daily at a secondary spring for two weeks. Statistical analysis, including t-tests, suggested the springs have separate origins, informing the hatchery’s water management strategies. Correlation analysis revealed no significant rainfall-turbidity link at the main spring, pointing to natural filtration processes—an unexpected result given typical rainfall impact. Cross-correlation revealed a 4-5 day delayed water level response to rainfall, suggesting a recharge source outside the immediate watershed. This project enhanced students’ technical and analytical skills, immersing them in environmental monitoring challenges like managing missing data. The findings enhanced the hatchery’s ability to manage their water resources, crucial for local ecosystems and fish production. The collaboration supported sustainable water management and the hatchery’s community role by providing actionable insights. This student-led effort highlights the power of applied research, preparing participants for environmental consulting careers while strengthening community resilience through science.