Salamander Study part 1

Salamander Study with Ranger Jay
hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers
Thursday, October 16 at 10 am
$5/participant — Ages 12+

Note: This activity is hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. SCROLL DOWN to reserve your space. It is NOT a drop off event.

Ranger Jay is facilitating a nature study series for ages 12 and up to learn about Salamanders. This project revolves around this important question: How can the presence or absence of salamanders help determine the health of our forest ecosystems?

Data from this study will help the Park visitors understand the value of the salamanders as an indicator species and why our stream habitats are important. This knowledge will help Saluda Riverwalk Park Rangers care and conserve our sensitive stream habitats.

Salamanders’ patterns of population change, when coupled with measurements of their surroundings, will permit the investigation of the effects of geographic location, land management, air quality, vegetation, and associations with other species on salamander population dynamics.

Students will engage in collecting meaningful scientific data about salamander populations. This data will be used as an indication of forest ecosystem health. The series is conducted in 4-parts, continuing thru the seasons of the year.

Part 1: October 16th: Learning about Saluda Riverwalk using maps, biodiversity plots, walking observations and journaling. Students will learn why it is important to study our indicator species such as the salamander to assess the overall health of the ecosystem.

Part 2: November 13th (registration opens after part 1): Introduction to Salamanders. Fieldwork and Data Collection. Students will collect stream data at two to three sites depending on time allowance. We will sample for water quality data such as PH, Temp, and turbidity. Place cover boards for future terrestrial monitoring. Visit stream sites for salamander collection and identification.

Part 3: TBD Winter: 2nd visit for stream data collection. Check cover boards, Check streams for salamander population changes. Develop hypothesis relating to status of salamanders. Is habitat healthy? Are there concerns?

Part 4: TBD Spring: Last Visit for Stream data Collection. Check cover boards. Check streams for salamanders. Record data and draw initial conclusions.

Location: Saluda Riverwalk 650 Candi Lane, Columbia 29210
Restrooms and Parking Lot. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Sunscreen and water bottles also recommended. Bring your own snacks or bag lunch to hang out on the rocks afterwards, optional.

Look for Angela to greet you–and Ranger Jay. This is not a drop off-event. Parents can chaperone to listen in on the lesson activity too.

Families with younger siblings/non-participants:

• You can follow along behind the ranger-led activity–to listen in. There’s a sidewalk if you have younger siblings with a stroller or wagon.
• You can go along the walking path for your own nature explorations. Be sure to let Angela (our coordinator) know, so you can meet back when the group activity is concluded.

Sign up below to reserve your space: