OVERVIEW
INSTRUCTIONS
OBJECTIVES • Be able to describe important characteristics of a wetland in context using appropriate terminology • Demonstrate an understanding of key wetland indicators in the field • Interpret the factors potentially involved in protecting said wetland and offer some insight in determining possible conservation concerns
INSTRUCTIONS
A. Introduction: include a brief opening paragraph:
Highlight the importance of wetlands and why they play a critical role within the landscape
Take a selfie of you with your wetland and include it in this section of the report. It is important that you do this at the beginning of your report to ensure it was you who visited your site!
State the name of your site where you made your visit
B. Description of Site: provide a general study area description
Where is it located, and what type of wetland is it? Also mention when (date and time of day) you made your observations
Describe the geomorphology, climate, or other important factors
How much open water is there vs vegetation?
What is the significance or history of this site?
You may want to consult external references, as appropriate, but cite them
Take a “big picture” of the site and include it in this section of the report. Similar to those pictures seen in the lecture slides, it should be possible to identify the type of wetland based on this picture
C. Vegetation and Biota: identify and describe
- Take pictures of and identify the plant species in your wetland. If you cannot identify all species, provide a class (e.g. submergent, emergent) instead.
- Which of these species are hydrophytes?
- What wetland plant adaptations can you see?
Do you notice any other wetland biota, especially wildlife? What did you observe?
Based on this information, does it meet wetland criteria for having an abundance of hydrophytes? (Explain)
D. Hydrology: note the major characteristics
- Describe what you can about the hydrology of your site and state what indicators of
wetland hydrology you should be looking for
• Which of these indicators are present? Take pictures of any visible signs of these
indicators (e.g. signs of intermittent flood areas)
• Based on this, do you think it meets the criteria for wetland hydrology? (Explain)
E. Soils: note major characteristics
- Describe what you can about the soil type based on what you can see Note: You are not to disturb public sites in any way; use above ground
indicators. - State what indicators of hydric soils you would expect to find if you were to look at the soil profile.
- Use the USDA Soil Survey to describe the soils (what Soil Map Units, their major characteristics, such as depth, drainage class, texture, and so forth)
- Which hydric soils indicators are present? Take pictures of any visible signs of these indicators.
- Based on your findings, does the site meet the criteria of having hydric soils?
F. Conclusion: Wetland Policy and Management
To the best of your knowledge, is your wetland naturally occurring or part of a restoration effort? Pictures of the surrounding area may be beneficial to include here.
What are the human impacts on the wetland?
- Based on the previous information, what do you think are some of the functions or benefits your particular wetland provides?
- What is the value of this wetland?
- What improvements might be made to this wetland?
- FORMAT GUIDELINES
- Your paper should be a minimum of 10-12 pages double spaced, including reasonably-sized pictures, with an appropriate font. While you will not be penalized for going over 12 pages, I do not believe you can thoroughly address every item specified in the handout to receive full credit in less than 10 pages.
Label pictures appropriately. For example, if you are required take a picture of a specific species of vegetation, your picture should clearly distinguish which plant you are referring to and label that plant.
An important skill to develop is clear communication of scientific concepts in writing. While you will mostly be graded on content, there are certain expectations regarding the overall clarity and format of your paper. You should use this paper as an opportunity to practice clear scientific writing. A sample of scientific writing format is posted at https://cgi.duke.edu/web/sciwriting/Links to an external site.
Finally, make sure the work you turn in is your own and use citations when necessary. Any standard format for citations is acceptable. You do not need to cite lecture notes. Most students use 2-5 external sources in completing their reports.
Do not use any direct quotes or any copy-pasting in your writing, even if you aim to change a few words. All written work should be your own. Direct quotes, even when cited, are not permitted.
These papers will be submitted on Canvas and run through the TurnItIn.com system which will flag any instances of plagiarism. Evidence of copying another student’s paper or using it as a guide will result in an F in the assignment, F in the course, or FF in the course.