Day 12
Sleeping under the stars was pretty nice, woke up kinda cold at first but it was nice :)
We woke up to some yummy food and had a nice lazy start. We had to be ready at 9 am to meet with Barbra Freelander who spoke to us about many things including how the wind transmits illnesses and the healing property's of rose. When her lecture ended we met with some really cool guys from the local fish farm. This fish farm wasn't there to raise and release fish back into the wild, this fish farm was for the fish that we eat!
While we were there we got a few separate lectures about how things run there and we even got to ride a small boat out to the fish holding areas. The fish were kept in separate holding areas depending on size and age. The entire time I was staring at these floating ponds teeming with fish I was thinking that if I jumped in there it would be like a 5-Gum commercial :)
My group was the first to see the fish so then we sat on land and listened to the guys there tell us about all sorts of random and different things about what he does there and what his job looks like.
When everyone had finished we all headed back to camp to rest because we were gonna have a late night. Band Wagon, minus Eric, plus Christen, needed to do laundry though so we went to do that. EVEN DOING LAUNDRY WAS FUN. We joked around and I converted one of my friends to Whovisim (the fandom of Dr.Who). We arrived back for a quick bite of dinner and then we all headed out with R-something to go call to wolves.
The drive out to Gold Lake was a little longer than expected and there we discussed the procedure for wolf howling and what we needed to do when we arrived. We had to be absolutely quiet and not even close the car doors.
Once at the wolf howling spot the guide howled a few times had some other people howl (which was funny, someone was calling for Sasquatch instead of a wolf haha). Unfortunately no wolves howled back and because of the hour we had to go back.
Since my group showered first the night before we showered last and washed dinner dishes. THE SHOWERS THERE WERE MAGNIFICENT.
The next morning we woke up and everyone was a little subdued but happy. We all ate quickly and started washing tents, turning in stuff, and cleaning the area we had spent the last two days in. It was a little hectic at first but then when things fell into a pattern. It was sad though, knowing that it was the end of such an awesome trip.
Eventually we all packed into our cars and headed off to Dry Falls. I had been looking forward to this stop for a while because I'm really interested in the Bretz Floods (which created Dry Falls). I was also supposed to have visited years before but I became sick at that time and had been unable to attend so I was super excited for this stop. Some of my friends seemed less enthused but after I explained the cause of the floods and the effects they seemed more interested and we had a nice conversation about theories and such. We also went inside to watch a small movie on the floods and look at the museum/gift store. When we had finished our exploring some people started blogging but I was more interested in the outdoors. Finally we all packed into the cars for the last time and drove home :'(
It was quite a blast, the entire trip. People were looking forward to being home but it was clear that everyone was going to miss the time spent together exploring the world. I'd say that the 2 weeks spent on this trip were well worth it and I would gladly do it again! I would like to send out a great big thank-you to everyone that contributed to this trip, it has truly been a life-changing and memorable experience that will affect me through-out college and probably even further. At the start of this trip I knew what I wanted to be, an Earth Scientist, but I wasn't all the way sure it was for me and was half-heartedly considering other options. I didn't know if I was smart enough or strong enough or even durable enough to be cut out for science. But through this trip and it's experiences I know that I will enjoy my future career, that it's the right fit for me, and that I can do it. Also as more reassurance I know that even if my specific field of science loses it's draw for me that there is plenty more out there science wise and that I can move around to find that perfect fit if it's necessary.
I've also gained a lot of food for thought and I'm now more aware of just how much we affect the earth with every little thing we do. I kind of had that on back-burner before the trip but now where ever I go I'm thinking about how this affects that. I think of possible solutions but then stop to think about what has to power those solutions and what affects that has. My mind has really been opened by this trip but that excites and empowers me. I was also a little worried that there wasn't anything left to be discovered in the science world, but I know without a doubt that there is soooo much more that we can learn. With this trip done I'm sad at it's end but now I'm biting at the bit to get going on contributing my part to make this world a better place. Thank-you to everyone who helped this project start and finish and for all the help and guidance that you've all given me.
"We do not inherit the world from our parents, we borrow it from our children."
Arianna Wildflower from Band Wagon signing out. Thank-you.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Day 11
Day 11
Day 11 we all woke up with a nice relaxed tone and started getting together bath supplies. Some people from the Spokane tribe showed up and took us all to the local high school to shower and blog. When some people finished blogging they played some basketball and then part of us went back to camp to pack up. Packing up took a while but it was a nice bit of work, where you feel proud afterword. Then when we had all finished everything up there we all climbed back into the car and headed to Nespelem on the Coville Reservation. Once we were there we all quickly set up on the lawn of the really nice community center. Well kind of set up :) BandWagon decided to sleep under the stars and hang out.
After we had set up somewhat we all drove down to a local pizza place to eat. It took a while for the food but we had a great time waiting. We played different games and had some really cool conversations. The food was delicious though, some good pizza after so long on the road really hit the spot!
With some pizza in tow we all headed to the Grand Coulee Dam to watch the light show. On the way there we made sure to make a whole bunch of really cheesy dam jokes :) We got there pretty early and so some of us sat around and played some random fun games.
The light show was not what I expected. I expected to see some pretty swirling lights flying around and some music but instead we got to learn :) The light show taught us the history of the dam, the effect of having the dam there, and lots of other fun stories. At the end there was some nice light work that I enjoyed. Soon after the show ended we headed back to the community center for the night.
My friends and I all went in to the center to brush our teeth and shower. There was also a hallway that I convinced my friends to go down. When they reached the end I flicked the light switch, dropped to all fours, brought my long hair over my face, and made grudge noises. IT WAS HILARIOUS. Then when we had all finished with the center we went outside and crashed out.
Day 11 we all woke up with a nice relaxed tone and started getting together bath supplies. Some people from the Spokane tribe showed up and took us all to the local high school to shower and blog. When some people finished blogging they played some basketball and then part of us went back to camp to pack up. Packing up took a while but it was a nice bit of work, where you feel proud afterword. Then when we had all finished everything up there we all climbed back into the car and headed to Nespelem on the Coville Reservation. Once we were there we all quickly set up on the lawn of the really nice community center. Well kind of set up :) BandWagon decided to sleep under the stars and hang out.
After we had set up somewhat we all drove down to a local pizza place to eat. It took a while for the food but we had a great time waiting. We played different games and had some really cool conversations. The food was delicious though, some good pizza after so long on the road really hit the spot!
With some pizza in tow we all headed to the Grand Coulee Dam to watch the light show. On the way there we made sure to make a whole bunch of really cheesy dam jokes :) We got there pretty early and so some of us sat around and played some random fun games.
The light show was not what I expected. I expected to see some pretty swirling lights flying around and some music but instead we got to learn :) The light show taught us the history of the dam, the effect of having the dam there, and lots of other fun stories. At the end there was some nice light work that I enjoyed. Soon after the show ended we headed back to the community center for the night.
My friends and I all went in to the center to brush our teeth and shower. There was also a hallway that I convinced my friends to go down. When they reached the end I flicked the light switch, dropped to all fours, brought my long hair over my face, and made grudge noises. IT WAS HILARIOUS. Then when we had all finished with the center we went outside and crashed out.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Day 10
Day 10
Day 10 was pretty cool. We started the day out with a few lectures in this old abandoned outdoor gym thing. When we finished there we headed out to go to a few different sites.
The first site we learned about placing Track Mats. The purpose of TM are to help with observing what small predators are in the area. How TM work is very simple. The critter walks into the tunnel, which has bait on the other side, goes over track paper and then leaves footprints on the contact paper. The contact paper is taken out and examined to study which critters when in.
Then we went to another creek and had lunch, provided and cooked by the Spokane Indians. Their we learned about shocking fish and how it's done. One kid caught a huge Rainbow Trout!
From there we drove back to camp for a bit, hit the store, and changed into swimsuits. At 5 we got to go swimming in Lake Roosevelt! The water was perfect, not to cold and just a little bit warm. We splashed about for quite some time and then had another feast prepared for us by the Spokane Indians. When we had finished eating we all gathered around and listened to some truly helpful and meaningful stories. The Spokane Indians offered us assistance and guidance in our everyday lives and told us if any of us ever need help they would be glad to provide it.
After stories we went back to camp and had brownie cake to celebrate Destiny's b-day. Then we got to play around till 11.
Day 10 was pretty cool. We started the day out with a few lectures in this old abandoned outdoor gym thing. When we finished there we headed out to go to a few different sites.
The first site we learned about placing Track Mats. The purpose of TM are to help with observing what small predators are in the area. How TM work is very simple. The critter walks into the tunnel, which has bait on the other side, goes over track paper and then leaves footprints on the contact paper. The contact paper is taken out and examined to study which critters when in.
Then we went to another creek and had lunch, provided and cooked by the Spokane Indians. Their we learned about shocking fish and how it's done. One kid caught a huge Rainbow Trout!
From there we drove back to camp for a bit, hit the store, and changed into swimsuits. At 5 we got to go swimming in Lake Roosevelt! The water was perfect, not to cold and just a little bit warm. We splashed about for quite some time and then had another feast prepared for us by the Spokane Indians. When we had finished eating we all gathered around and listened to some truly helpful and meaningful stories. The Spokane Indians offered us assistance and guidance in our everyday lives and told us if any of us ever need help they would be glad to provide it.
After stories we went back to camp and had brownie cake to celebrate Destiny's b-day. Then we got to play around till 11.
Day 9 6/23/13
Day 9 6/23/13
Day 9 was a pretty chaotic day as well :)
We started the day by painting with paints that we made, both oil and milk based. We made pigments out of many different things, such as berries, flowers, and leaves.
Wenix also gave us another presentation on First Foods, she actually set up a table as it would look at a feast. We got to taste some salmon, roots, and berries. As she gave her presentation we learned about different medicines and plant uses.
When we left Wenix's house we drove for several hours to Airway Heights (WHERE I LIVED FOR 7 YEARS! :) ) There we got free Arbie's paid for by the Spokane Indians! When we collected all the food we got back in the cars and drove for a while more. We eventually got to our camp grounds and set up.
Then we slept :)
Day 9 was a pretty chaotic day as well :)
We started the day by painting with paints that we made, both oil and milk based. We made pigments out of many different things, such as berries, flowers, and leaves.
Wenix also gave us another presentation on First Foods, she actually set up a table as it would look at a feast. We got to taste some salmon, roots, and berries. As she gave her presentation we learned about different medicines and plant uses.
When we left Wenix's house we drove for several hours to Airway Heights (WHERE I LIVED FOR 7 YEARS! :) ) There we got free Arbie's paid for by the Spokane Indians! When we collected all the food we got back in the cars and drove for a while more. We eventually got to our camp grounds and set up.
Then we slept :)
Day 8
Day 8 6/23/13
Day 8 was an adventure to say the least! We packed up and out of the Pow-Wow grounds and drove Umatilla Indian Department of Natural Resources. There we met Wenix Red Elk who gave us a presentation on First Foods. The presentation covered the different foods that are put on the table and the order of their placement. The order is as follows: water, salmon, deer, roots, berries. We also learned a little bit about why the foods go on in that order. Wenix's job involves protecting the women's food from the table, rather than just the salmon and deer. After the presentation we headed out to go to a restoration project in process at Meachu. BUUUUUUTTTTTT! The road there had just been graveled and decided to have some fun with our tires! :D
Band Wagon pulls over to check their tire, and see's Flaming Eagles popped tire, then see's their own. Then after the restoration project tour we start driving back when War Pony lost 2 wheels! When Flaming Eagle got to the Les Schwab they noticed another tire of theirs went out. THAT MAKES 5 TIRES IN ONE DAY.
Unfourtuntly because of all the issues with tires it was too late to get to our original camp ground. But we had an awesome guide, Wenix. She took us to her house and had us camp in her yard. It was a great experience. Her family made dinner, including Fry Bread! We also learned how to play Stick Games :) That was a lot of fun. Wenix's mother also is into many crafts, such as glasswork. Her mom had many beautiful pieces of glass-work in a room, including irridescent salmon and wonderfully contrasted buffalo.
Band Wagon Out!
Day 8 was an adventure to say the least! We packed up and out of the Pow-Wow grounds and drove Umatilla Indian Department of Natural Resources. There we met Wenix Red Elk who gave us a presentation on First Foods. The presentation covered the different foods that are put on the table and the order of their placement. The order is as follows: water, salmon, deer, roots, berries. We also learned a little bit about why the foods go on in that order. Wenix's job involves protecting the women's food from the table, rather than just the salmon and deer. After the presentation we headed out to go to a restoration project in process at Meachu. BUUUUUUTTTTTT! The road there had just been graveled and decided to have some fun with our tires! :D
Band Wagon pulls over to check their tire, and see's Flaming Eagles popped tire, then see's their own. Then after the restoration project tour we start driving back when War Pony lost 2 wheels! When Flaming Eagle got to the Les Schwab they noticed another tire of theirs went out. THAT MAKES 5 TIRES IN ONE DAY.
Unfourtuntly because of all the issues with tires it was too late to get to our original camp ground. But we had an awesome guide, Wenix. She took us to her house and had us camp in her yard. It was a great experience. Her family made dinner, including Fry Bread! We also learned how to play Stick Games :) That was a lot of fun. Wenix's mother also is into many crafts, such as glasswork. Her mom had many beautiful pieces of glass-work in a room, including irridescent salmon and wonderfully contrasted buffalo.
Band Wagon Out!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Day 7 Elmer Crow
Elmer deserves a post all on his own.
Mr.Crow is a tribal elder who came by after lunch to speak with us. The different things he told us about and taught us were wonderful. He taught us some manners, he told us stories, he educated us about the importance of eel, showed us and told us how he makes different weapons, and he did all that in a fun, down to earth way. I know that I will be a least a little bit different from meeting Mr.Crow and his wife. I thank Jessica and everyone that was able to arrange his coming to speak to us. He was utterly amazing and I am proud of the gift of knowledge that he gave us. Thank you Elmer Crow
Mr.Crow is a tribal elder who came by after lunch to speak with us. The different things he told us about and taught us were wonderful. He taught us some manners, he told us stories, he educated us about the importance of eel, showed us and told us how he makes different weapons, and he did all that in a fun, down to earth way. I know that I will be a least a little bit different from meeting Mr.Crow and his wife. I thank Jessica and everyone that was able to arrange his coming to speak to us. He was utterly amazing and I am proud of the gift of knowledge that he gave us. Thank you Elmer Crow
Day 7 6/22/13
Day 7 6/22/13
Today we woke up and went to meet Jim H. from the fisheries. He took us out to...
* his office, where he displayed posters about the salmon
* The Lostine River Hatchery where we saw salmon get tagged, released, and sent out to other hatcheries. We also learned about the construction of the facility and the river's of the area in detail. While we were there we learned about the many jobs that go into that simple seeming job and building.
* Lake Wallowa to swim and investigate the geographical changes wrought by glacers 17,000 years before.
After out time with Jim we came back to the Powwow grounds to eat lunch as well as explore. I watched some pretty amazing dancers and singers. I was amazed at all their bead work because I know just how long beading takes. I also danced last night during some open dances, it was pretty fun :)
We got called back at 6:30 for dinner and then we stayed to blog and socialize.
Today we woke up and went to meet Jim H. from the fisheries. He took us out to...
* his office, where he displayed posters about the salmon
* The Lostine River Hatchery where we saw salmon get tagged, released, and sent out to other hatcheries. We also learned about the construction of the facility and the river's of the area in detail. While we were there we learned about the many jobs that go into that simple seeming job and building.
* Lake Wallowa to swim and investigate the geographical changes wrought by glacers 17,000 years before.
After out time with Jim we came back to the Powwow grounds to eat lunch as well as explore. I watched some pretty amazing dancers and singers. I was amazed at all their bead work because I know just how long beading takes. I also danced last night during some open dances, it was pretty fun :)
We got called back at 6:30 for dinner and then we stayed to blog and socialize.
Day 6 6/20/13
Day 6 6/20/13
Drove for 11 hours
Stopped at Painted Hills
Arrived at Wallowa
Attended Powow
Painted Hills was pretty awesome! I found a really cool leaf fossil and the scenery was amazing!
Drove for 11 hours
Stopped at Painted Hills
Arrived at Wallowa
Attended Powow
Painted Hills was pretty awesome! I found a really cool leaf fossil and the scenery was amazing!
Day 5
Day 5 7/19/13
Dang! Today is already Friday, right? J
Woke up 7:30
Ate (eggs, pancakes, cooked by War Pony)
Got ready
Left to a trail head
Split into two groups, sign workers and trail workers
Worked
Lunch/Swimming
Swimming
Split into two groups, trail workers and other workers
Went back to camp
Future:
Blog
Shower
Last night:
Showered
Collected firewood
Came back, everyone else left, only BandWagon
We did dishes, danced, and taught each other dance moves
Everyone came back
Fire circle/sharing circle
Shared most embarrassing stories
Played two truths and a lie
Roasted marshmallows
Slept
Today was a lot of fun! We got to sleep in a little bit and
then we all piled into the cars with the instructions of having long pants on.
We went to a nearby trailhead and got a brief introduction
of our two rangers.
Joe Welke – Trails Volunteer Coordinator
Jason Fisher – Developer of Recreation
After that we split into two groups and received hard hats:
Sign workers and trail workers. I was in the trail worker group with Joe and I
received a hand saw, while my friend Brandi got a pair of clippers. Our job was
to cut down and trim trees that were encroaching on the trail in the woods (if
we didn’t feel right about that job we were allowed to switch, but I stayed).
We followed the trail down doing that work together. At first I felt a little
bad about it but I understand why it’s needed; I still apologized to every
tree. As we worked people would come and go by us, usually chaperones
reminding/demanding that we stay hydrated! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. After a while had passed lunch was
called and we had to follow the group the rest of the way down the trail to the
river, which was beautiful. There me and Brandi skipped food and jumped in
swimming. We swam across the lake and back J. The water was cold
but deliciously refreshing. When we got out we had lunch, cleaned up the area,
and headed back on the trail, continuing our job of tree management, getting
the areas we hadn’t gotten too. Brandi and I were a bit ahead of the group and
sat at the car, we waited a few minutes and then Sheryl and Haver showed up.
While we waited we learned about natural fauna and fruit. Now we’re sitting in
the car waiting to go shower all this dirt off of us! We also get to do
laundry! J
Then when we come back Heritage 2 is cooking dinner. For today I’d say it was
great, we had a good amount of hard work that helped the environment and then
we got to play! Everything was well worth it J
I’m gonna pack up all my stuff tonight because this is our
last night in this beautiful forest. I like my sleep so having everything ready
will be nice.
Tomorrow is also supposed to be a long drive, but I’m prepared! I HAVE DR.WHO EPISODES ON MY COMPUTER! I also have two movies.
Tomorrow is also supposed to be a long drive, but I’m prepared! I HAVE DR.WHO EPISODES ON MY COMPUTER! I also have two movies.
Overall the Dechutes area is a fantastic place and I know
that I want to come back here for sure, especially that swimming hole!
Also today has helped me solidify what I want my future
career to be. I really enjoyed working outside today and can’t wait to start
again! I was a little worried about my career choice not being right for me,
but now I’m sure that I will thoroughly enjoy my chosen path J
Au revior! Ari and BandWagon out!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Day 4 7/18/13
Day 4 7/18/13
Woke up at 6. Kinda chilly.
Got food, got ready for the day.
Lava Lake Cave
Lava Butt Elevation 5,020
Lunch
Vistors Center
Deshutes River tour (saw falls)
Blogging at McDonalds
Sleeping in the tents wasn't so bad :) At first it was really hot in there but then in the early morning it got really cold. Waking up was kinda hard too.
Lava Lake Cave was a really cool stop, literally! At Lava Lake Cave we did two things, learned about lava caves and about the bats that live in them.
Lava caves are formed by a lava vent exploding, spewing a river of lava out. The river of lava runs off and the top of it starts to slowly cool. But because the top cooled the inside is insulated and is thus able to keep moving. Then when the lava finally stops and cools then it's left what looks like a giant straw. With the cave we entered the roof had collapsed some at the beginning enabling us to get in. When we entered it started out as chilly and then got cold, as the tunnel wasn't heated by sunlight. The temperature in there was 42 degrees. On the cave walls and floors there was lava stalactites.
With the bats we learned about them, their habitat, and White-Nose Syndrome. WNS was brought over from Europe by travelers. What WNS does is essentially wake up the bat before hibernation, when there's no food, causing the bat to starve to death.
At Lava Butt we learned about different careers, fire prevention, and what steps are being taken to insure help that we help the forest rather than hurt it. We also checked out the lookout, the lookout watches the forest for fires.
Then we went to eat, look at the visitors center, and walk down to look at the river and the falls.
We are now at McDonalds and they are out of sweet tea. I am sad about this. I WILL HAVE MY SWEET TEA.
BANDWAGON OUT!
Woke up at 6. Kinda chilly.
Got food, got ready for the day.
Lava Lake Cave
Lava Butt Elevation 5,020
Lunch
Vistors Center
Deshutes River tour (saw falls)
Blogging at McDonalds
Sleeping in the tents wasn't so bad :) At first it was really hot in there but then in the early morning it got really cold. Waking up was kinda hard too.
Lava Lake Cave was a really cool stop, literally! At Lava Lake Cave we did two things, learned about lava caves and about the bats that live in them.
Lava caves are formed by a lava vent exploding, spewing a river of lava out. The river of lava runs off and the top of it starts to slowly cool. But because the top cooled the inside is insulated and is thus able to keep moving. Then when the lava finally stops and cools then it's left what looks like a giant straw. With the cave we entered the roof had collapsed some at the beginning enabling us to get in. When we entered it started out as chilly and then got cold, as the tunnel wasn't heated by sunlight. The temperature in there was 42 degrees. On the cave walls and floors there was lava stalactites.
With the bats we learned about them, their habitat, and White-Nose Syndrome. WNS was brought over from Europe by travelers. What WNS does is essentially wake up the bat before hibernation, when there's no food, causing the bat to starve to death.
At Lava Butt we learned about different careers, fire prevention, and what steps are being taken to insure help that we help the forest rather than hurt it. We also checked out the lookout, the lookout watches the forest for fires.
Then we went to eat, look at the visitors center, and walk down to look at the river and the falls.
We are now at McDonalds and they are out of sweet tea. I am sad about this. I WILL HAVE MY SWEET TEA.
BANDWAGON OUT!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Day 3 7/17/13
Day 3 7/17/13
Woke up at 6am
Packed up and loaded all my stuff (leaving lodge). Helped some others with their stuff.
Had cereal and some more tea (bengal spice)
Cleaned up the lodge with the rest of the group.
Horseback riding :D
Worked on Scientific method
Went to museum.
Had lunch.
Lecture
Tour
Went to McDonalds to use internet and post all this! Now we're off again!
I helped clean by rinsing watered-down bleach from the dishes and helping sweep the floor.
My horse was named Buckster, he was cool.
Got stuff at the gift shop.
Woke up at 6am
Packed up and loaded all my stuff (leaving lodge). Helped some others with their stuff.
Had cereal and some more tea (bengal spice)
Cleaned up the lodge with the rest of the group.
Horseback riding :D
Worked on Scientific method
Went to museum.
Had lunch.
Lecture
Tour
Went to McDonalds to use internet and post all this! Now we're off again!
I helped clean by rinsing watered-down bleach from the dishes and helping sweep the floor.
My horse was named Buckster, he was cool.
Got stuff at the gift shop.
Day 2 7/16
Day 2 7/16/13
Awoke 5:54 :P
Ate cereal and made myself some tea :)
Got ready and made my lunch
Attained hiking socks
Class Time 1 (Instructions on Scientific Method and how they wanted us to go about things)
Pre-survey
Shitike creek. Lecture on repairing damaged areas.
Stop in woods. Lecture on Mull Deer population.
Lunch at rocks
Mill Creek Stop. Lecture on what was going to be happening with that land; how they were gonna fix it.
Lodge
Swimming
Lodge
Made rope from tucuse (?).
Dinner. Cooked by Band Wagon :D Chili Dogs
Played Werewolf. Heritage &WS
Slept
Woke Brandi up for her birthday at 12:00
Today was really interesting. The activities today definitely re-sparked my love for science!
At Shitike creek we learned about the restoration project that took place there. It was considered restored because the environment was flowing smoothly, the wildlife was happy, and there was even salmon returning to the river, something which hadn't happened in quite some time!
Then we stopped in the woods with a Wildlife Tech. to learn about Mull Deer and their habitat. Mull Deer have been declining for many years and some people are trying to fix it now. Some of the problems to Mull Deer include:
* Poachers
* Invasive species taking their food/destroying their habitat (such as horses which were at an astonishing population of at least 7,000)
* Predator Levels being too high
After that and lunch our final stop was Mill Creek. Mill Creek is a creek that was basically damed with mounds of dirt called 'berms'. These berms were used to help with transporting logs at the time. Soon the berms were abandoned but rather than take them out they were left there. Because the berms were left there the environment surrounding them, and the creek, has been stunted. We walked around the area and tried to identify things that should be changed to make the area restored. We learned some traits of restoration at Shitike creek. Some things that are going to be changed include:
* Slow the river speed
* Adding dead trees to help nourish the water and create little eco-systems
* Lower the steep banks (no more entrenched river)
* Raise the flood plain
* Change the rocks from all big ones to a diverse mix, including a lot of spawning gravel. (The spawning gravel was pulled up to make the berms)
* Remove the berms
* Make the area more diverse/heterogeneous
Then we went swimming! :) Me and some friends decided to swim/crawl upriver (it was pretty shallow, like wading water kinda, but moving at a good speed). It was pretty tough but a lot of fun! The way back down was pretty bumpy though!
Then my car made dinner. :D
Awoke 5:54 :P
Ate cereal and made myself some tea :)
Got ready and made my lunch
Attained hiking socks
Class Time 1 (Instructions on Scientific Method and how they wanted us to go about things)
Pre-survey
Shitike creek. Lecture on repairing damaged areas.
Stop in woods. Lecture on Mull Deer population.
Lunch at rocks
Mill Creek Stop. Lecture on what was going to be happening with that land; how they were gonna fix it.
Lodge
Swimming
Lodge
Made rope from tucuse (?).
Dinner. Cooked by Band Wagon :D Chili Dogs
Played Werewolf. Heritage &WS
Slept
Woke Brandi up for her birthday at 12:00
Today was really interesting. The activities today definitely re-sparked my love for science!
At Shitike creek we learned about the restoration project that took place there. It was considered restored because the environment was flowing smoothly, the wildlife was happy, and there was even salmon returning to the river, something which hadn't happened in quite some time!
Then we stopped in the woods with a Wildlife Tech. to learn about Mull Deer and their habitat. Mull Deer have been declining for many years and some people are trying to fix it now. Some of the problems to Mull Deer include:
* Poachers
* Invasive species taking their food/destroying their habitat (such as horses which were at an astonishing population of at least 7,000)
* Predator Levels being too high
After that and lunch our final stop was Mill Creek. Mill Creek is a creek that was basically damed with mounds of dirt called 'berms'. These berms were used to help with transporting logs at the time. Soon the berms were abandoned but rather than take them out they were left there. Because the berms were left there the environment surrounding them, and the creek, has been stunted. We walked around the area and tried to identify things that should be changed to make the area restored. We learned some traits of restoration at Shitike creek. Some things that are going to be changed include:
* Slow the river speed
* Adding dead trees to help nourish the water and create little eco-systems
* Lower the steep banks (no more entrenched river)
* Raise the flood plain
* Change the rocks from all big ones to a diverse mix, including a lot of spawning gravel. (The spawning gravel was pulled up to make the berms)
* Remove the berms
* Make the area more diverse/heterogeneous
Then we went swimming! :) Me and some friends decided to swim/crawl upriver (it was pretty shallow, like wading water kinda, but moving at a good speed). It was pretty tough but a lot of fun! The way back down was pretty bumpy though!
Then my car made dinner. :D
Day 1
Fish Lecture at Heritage
Left at 11:44. In Clinton's suburban, we named ourselves the "Band Wagon" We're all in band, I came up with it. :D Hecka cheesy.
Counted horses on way over. Just our van got 338 horses cited. Band Wagon won :D
Stopped at Celilo Falls, lecture
Lunch at Horsethief Lake state park. STEPPED IN SO MUCH SAP.
Petroglyphs walk. Saw "She Who Watches"
Gas
Got to lodge
Had dinner. Spaghetti and Lemonade. Faculty cooked.
Played Spoons :D Went awesome
Showered.
It was overal a very fun day, seeing the petrogylphs was tripping and learning about a submerged village in Celilo Falls was amazing. Definitely made the right choice for the summer!
Playing spoons was cool, Heritage students and White Swan students played and had a lot of bonding fun.
Fish Lecture at Heritage
Left at 11:44. In Clinton's suburban, we named ourselves the "Band Wagon" We're all in band, I came up with it. :D Hecka cheesy.
Counted horses on way over. Just our van got 338 horses cited. Band Wagon won :D
Stopped at Celilo Falls, lecture
Lunch at Horsethief Lake state park. STEPPED IN SO MUCH SAP.
Petroglyphs walk. Saw "She Who Watches"
Gas
Got to lodge
Had dinner. Spaghetti and Lemonade. Faculty cooked.
Played Spoons :D Went awesome
Showered.
It was overal a very fun day, seeing the petrogylphs was tripping and learning about a submerged village in Celilo Falls was amazing. Definitely made the right choice for the summer!
Playing spoons was cool, Heritage students and White Swan students played and had a lot of bonding fun.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)