Day #1: Riparian Habitat Assessment

43.8380, -72.3790. Date: 21 VII 2024. Time: 11:38 AM. PH: 6.9. μS: 158. Water temperature (C) 14.5°C. Weather: Sunny day, my camera measured 18.9°C at the site. Set up E. coli test.

Other observations: Mostly native plants in the riparian area. Small fish that are likely trout in the larger pools. Seepy wetland above were the two branches of the stream converge. Good diversity of macroinvertebrates.

Pteronarcys cf. proteus

Also saw a water penny beetle larva (Ectopria nervosa) and a few species of Ephemeroptera larvae. Trichoptera and planarians also seen.

Riparian Habitat Assessment

Filled out the habitat assessment sheet. Score 172/200. Click photo above for details.

Stream location

This is a small stream that originates from a few woodland seeps and eventually empties into the west branch of the Ompompanoosuc River. It is relatively shaded all the way down besides a few paces were trees have fell, leaving a hole in the canopy which lets some light through.

One of the pools in my stream

This is the largest pool in the area. The green represents the vegetation in and along the stream including ferns, mosses, and some other plants growing in the riparian area.

Ectopria nervosa. A water penny beetle larva

Reflection

Today was a great first day surveying at my site. It is a short 2-3 minute walk from my house so it is really easy to get there early. I recorded the temperature, conductivity, and PH of the water in my stream. The results of these tests all seemed to be close to what I expected. I'm also exited to see the results of the E. coli tests because I am interested in knowing the concentration at my site. While doing the habitat assessment I saw a few interesting species including a few different species of plecoptera and some other interesting larval insects. I am exited to see what kinds of macroinvertebrates I will find tomorrow when I am actually looking for them!

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