(Sterling Receives $10,000 Grant for Stream Research continued)

Participation in this project offers many benefits—the most obvious being the conservation of a local river. Less apparent are the restoration efforts this project will likely spark for a larger body of water—namely Lake Champlain.

With years of experience researching a variety of watersheds, including tropical rainforests in Belize, Farley is excited to collaborate with colleagues at other Vermont colleges on important research. She also recognizes participation in the Streams Project as a positive, quality experience for her students. “This grant will allow the College to purchase additional equipment useful in watershed assessment and expose students to a variety of watershed protocols and techniques.”

This fall, Farley plans to incorporate the Wild Branch River assessment into her course Watershed Ecosystem Analysis, generating intensive experiential learning for all students enrolled in the course. In addition, the two Sterling College students assisting Farley will gain significant educational experiences.

Angie is basing her Senior Applied Research Project on the assessment of the Wild Branch River, focusing specifically on its biological integrity.

During the fall and spring semesters Eric’s Work College job will consist of a broad habitat assessment of Wild Branch River. “If we can identify aspects of the stream that are negatively affecting the biology, we can more easily identify ways that we can work to conserve and restore that ecosystem.” Eric believes that one way the conservation of this river, and the watershed it feeds, will improve is through education.

Integrating the Streams Project with academic opportunities at the College will provide students with highly experiential learning opportunities—learning that is meaningful in a real world context, learning that will inspire students to pursue opportunities in watershed conservation both professionally and through volunteerism.