All project summaries
Biodiversity of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in
Relation to Canopy Cover
Relation to Canopy Cover
Controlling factors affecting the distribution of aquatic insects within stream systems include temperature, discharge, substrate, chemical conditions and aquatic and riparian vegetation. Using two locations in Bridal Veil Creek with similar controlling factors, Telluride High School student Sarah Carlson assessed the importance of riparian vegetation, or canopy cover, on aquatic insect distribution. Sites differed in elevation and percent canopy cover, which seemed to affect the total insect distribution significantly.
Full Report
Comparison of Vegetation Monitoring Techniques
11th grade Telluride High School student Madison Crowell took on the task of evaluating three distinct methods for monitoring vegetation diversity on the long term Bridal Veil Living Classroom biodiversity plots. In her study she compared the 1-meter-square method, the transect method and the "frisbee toss" method. The results of her study set a new standard for future plant counts and showed several new species present on the plots which were previously undetected.
Full Report
Correlations Between South Facing Slopes and Shifting
Life Zones in the San Juans
Norwood High School student Sandy Royer used a comparison of vegetation growth, density and diversity on North versus South facing slopes to draw predictions of how life zones in the alpine might shift with the oncoming of global warming. Drier conditions on the South facing slope were used as a predictor of how vegetation patterns at 11,800 feet elevation in the San Juan Mountains might adapt to warming trends.Life Zones in the San Juans
Full Report
Population Density of the American Pika in
Relation to its Habitat
Two pika-inhabited sites within Bridal Veil Basin were assessed by Norwood High School student Josey Griffith for their pika population density. Data was gathered for temperature, vegetation diversity, elevation and pika counts were conducted. There was a 3,300 foot elevation difference between sites with correlating cooler temperature and higher pika populations at the high site. Long term temperature data loggers were installed at each site for future monitoring purposes.Relation to its Habitat
Full Report
Limiting Factors of Mushroom Growth in the San Juans
The density of fungal distributions was measured at two sub-alpine sites in the San Juans. Both sites had West aspects, equal elevations, spruce-fir forests and nearby water sources. However slope angle, canopy cover and moisture disparities caused Norwood High School student Skyler Hollinbeck to find drastic differences in the overall mushroom counts between the two sites.Full Report
