Friday, May 18, 2012

May Late Start Lounge

This week we met down at Stephen's Creek Natural Area to learn about invasive plants.  West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District loaned us some plastic examples of Purple Loosestrift and Garlic Mustard to help the students become 'Weed Watchers' and they took on the task of learning what to look for and how to report their findings.  Down at the creek the students conducted their own survey with a PVC survey square and water-proof boards.  Their favorite part was designing the symbols to represent the plants in their square.  Each team also had a chance to test the pH of the stream water.  They discovered that running creek water had a lower pH than stagnant water - true scientists in training!

Pictures from the May EcoThink class

Coming soon - hike recommendations for summer adventures!