Project Description: 

California's streams have been heavily modified by a multitude of human activities which has led to the degradation of habitat for native fishes, especially native salmonids.  Many efforts to restore streams focus on generating greater habitat complexity.  One such effort on Lagunitas Creek in Marin County involved the construction of a perennial side channel that is meant to create habitat for endangered coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and increase overall habitat complexity.  Our project seeks to evaluate the ecological consequences of this side channel restoration project by quantifying differences in resource availability between the side channel and reference main channel, focusing on macroinvertebrate prey.  In addition, we will examine differences in bird and wildlife use of the side and main channels by using camera traps.    

Department: 
ESPM
Undergraduate's Role: 

The primary role of the student will be to sort aquatic macroinvertebrates samples collected in summer 2019 from the restored side channel and main channel described above.  Training in macroinvertebrate ID will be provided for the student to then identify the sorted samples.  The secondary role of the student will be to review and enter data from camera trap footage from the two study sites.  In spring 2020, there may be an opportunity to go to the field site to assist in 1-2 days of field data collection.

Undergraduate's Qualifications: 

No prior experience is required, but skills and/or coursework in any of these areas will be advantageous and should be mentioned in your application:

Macroinvertebrate identification
Microscope experience
Photo/video editing skills

 

Location: 
On Campus
Hours: 
3-6 hours