ZOOPlankton Monitoring Studies

Zooplankton are organisms drifting in oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, ponds; in salt water and in freshwater. The amount and types of zooplankton present give us information about food web interactions and water quality. Data from the zooplankton project and water quality data help us understand food web and habitat interactions, deepening our understanding of the ecology of Otter Point Creek.

Because zooplankton are not visible to the unaided eye, their importance can be overlooked. We know that other "unseen" factors that influence life in the Bay can have devastating effects if they are out of balance. For example, water with low levels of dissolved oxygen "looks" perfectly normal yet can cause fish kills.

Research projects:

Development of a micro-culturing technique
The effect of changing salinity on species
Community composition in response to water quality parameters

Volunteer Corps

Joanne Mattson
Claire Hauer
Frank Mannone
Clarke Romans
Peggy Mannone
Nancy Newman Zooplankton volunteer
Madeline Lovera
Patrick Matejka

Past Volunteers

Trey Morton
Samantha Castillo
Katie Soltysiak
Brittany Long
Helene Klair
Linda Romans
Jeff Griffin
Heidy Blumenschein
Megan Gaesser
Jacob Corselius
Bill Roberts
Gayanne Basham

zooplankton

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Calendar of EventsView all

Halloween Hike and Campfire10/19/2019 @ 6:00 pm-9:30 pmSpend a spooky evening at the park hiking through the woods to discover the creatures of Halloween. Meet these real "scary" critters up close and listen to their tales spun by Halloween characters. After the hike, enjoy roasted marshmallows down by our cozy campfire. Pre-register for 1/2 hour time slots to begin hike. Allow 1 hour for hike and campfire. Payment at door - Only $7/person!!
Pumpkin Chunkin' Hike10/20/2019 @ 10:00 am-11:30 amHead out on the Discovery Trail to examine the jack-o-lanterns left from the Halloween Hike. Look closely to see what critters have taken up residence. Then, let the biodegradable pumpkin chunkin' begin!
Meet a Critter10/20/2019 @ 12:30 pm-1:30 pmCheck out one of our live critters up close while discovering what makes that animal special.
Nature Playgroup10/21/2019 @ 9:30 am-10:30 amLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme. Topics: spiders, migration, leaves, bats, deer, seeds Mondays, September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4
Nature Tots10/21/2019 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmLittle ones and their parents play and learn in the natural world. Stories, songs, simple crafts and discovery outings will highlight each day's theme. Topics: spiders, migration, leaves, bats, deer, seeds Mondays, September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4