Learning Ecology by Canoe

Students in Biological Field Studies (Biol 490) camp, fish, collect data and conduct research.

The BWCA crew. Picured from top, left to right, are Glen Fisher, Traci Griffith, Steve Nikolai, Stephanie Zinken and Dane Ferguson. The second row has Brian Pauly, Kris Hennig, "Rusty" Lear, Billie Jo Buechler, (Dane's legs), Matt Faust and Bill Hintz. In the middle is Jesse Coleman and sitting in front are Matt Troia and Todd Wellnitz.

Dr. Todd Wellnitz and thirteen biology students spent a week canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this fall as part of their Biol-490, "Ecology of the Boundary Waters" course. Working in teams, the students designed research projects, collected data, and developed necessary skills for living and working together in the field. Projects examined lakeshore lichen communities, the impact of humans on campsites (some of which have been used for more than 1000 years), and the relationship between zooplankton diversity and lake size. The days were hard and long -- the class covered over 45 miles during their week on the water -- but rewarding. "It's just a really good feeling," noted Traci Griffith, "looking back and seeing how far we've come distance-wise, and as a group." In addition to working on their team projects and keeping a trip journal, students had time to fish, eat s'mores around the campfire, and enjoy nature. "As we paddled," wrote Steve Nicolai, "the first thing that struck me was the beauty of this place." Overall, everyone had a great time and got some good data. Looking back, Matt Faust commented "I honestly cannot think of a single thing to complain about, aside from the fact that I wish we could have spent more than a week out in the BWCA". Click here for a QuickTime side show of the trip.

Top: Morning calm on Kekekabic Lake. Middle: Brian Pauly cleans two walleyes he caught and Steph Zinken portages her canoe. Bottom: Students discuss the next day's route.