In Environmental Statistics 2016-2017, we spent the majority of our time at Rocky Creek research site. We visited other rivers including a couple in West Virginia, and a few others around the greater Charlottesville/Albemarle area, including Piney Creek, Buck Mountain Creek and Wards Creek. At Buck Mountain and Wards Creek, we found evidence of mussels. At these rivers we measured benthic invertebrates, E Coli, phosphates, nitrates, flowrate, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biological  oxygen demand, pH, and ammonium. We captured and identified a few species of host minnows. The variety of methods to grid the rivers included a standard grid in the shape of a rectangle, the pole method, and the stake method. After testing the three, we decided to use the stake method (refer to Creating the Grid section of the website). Finding a way to efficiently grid the river took a considerable amount of time. The  objective was to locate the mussels and ultimately determine their movement. Variables such as density and distribution of the tagged mussels will be calculated next year (so look forward to that)! Perhaps the most fun thing we did was look for mussels! We spent most of the Fall days looking for mussels because they were on the surface and easy to find. During the winter days we spent most of our time gridding the river, clearing paths,  plotting the river, and searching for new mussel sites. We also continued to clear trees and brush along the river bank in order to establish a path, so that next year’s group can explore more of the creek. All the data gathered is available for the students to use next year. We have completed the first year of a four year mussel tagging study sponsored by Brian Watson of The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

       As with any class, especially a class involving studying endangered mussels, there were many struggles and failures. Some of our struggles included: finding a accurate way to grid the river, tagging and finding the mussels effectively, bringing all of the equipment (including lab quests), and  having enough waders. Some suggestions include: being as organized as possible, communicating well with your peers, and always being prepared for the elements.