Here's what each student group plans to do: Group 1 (vernal pool plant communities): scout potential pools to study; test out methods to sample plant communities with quadrats; test methods to measure pool depth (within dangling ruler); dip one pond-testing strip into each pool they choose (strips are colored for pH, nitrite, nitrate, hardness) Group 2 (effects of dung on plant growth): collect 2-3 dung piles from the MVPGR; collect soil (approx. 2 gallons) from the ERA Group 3 (effects of soil texture on plant growth): collect 1 gallon of soil of ERA (will also collect soil from Cottonwood Meadows and SMART farm) Group 4 (insect biodiversity adjacent to canal): on campus and ERA side of the canal; conduct sweep-net surveys for insect biodiversity; students will release all captured insects

Approved