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At Polaris K-12, students in three classes (Ecology, Environmental Chemistry and Projects-based Science) are working to learn about the salmon and local creeks to determine the health of the creek and the populations of organisms that live in the creek. Polaris is located four blocks from Meadow Park where the North Fork of Little Campbell flows by and is fed by two sediment basins built to filter the runoff from local neighborhoods. We first began investigating the creek when we read in the Anchorage Daily News about fish kills that biologist, Mark Schroeder found on Little Campbell Creek. Students asked “What are the contributing causes to the fish kills found on Little Campbell Creek?” Students have since conducted research to help them answer that question. Research has focused on three primary areas: 1) the effect of the sediment basins on creek health, 2) the effect of the fish alcove on fish populations, and 3) human influences from the riparian zones and how to educate people about creek health.

Ways in which Polaris K-12 students are looking for answers

1) How do the Sediment Ponds at 68th and Meadow affect the health of NFLCC?
• Monitoring Chemicals and turbidity in the ponds and above and below the sediment pond inflow to the creek.
• Monitoring Macroinvertebrates above and below the sediment pond inflow to the creek.

2) Will the fish alcove restore the “shelter” function of Little Campbell Creek for juvenile Coho salmon and other species?
• Monitoring turbidity and other chemicals in the creek and in the alcove to gather baseline data.
• Mapping Vegetation and monitoring invasive species.
• Monitoring fish use of the alcove.

3) How do we educate others about the health of the creek?
• Developing PSA or “Infomercials” to help others learn about the functions of the creek and the affect humans have on the health of the creek.
• Developing and implementing surveys to distribute to communities located near the creek and distributing educational brochures to educate.

Comments (0) 10.09.2008