BREAKING DOWN DISCIPLINARY BARRIERS: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY WATERSHED RESEARCH INITIATIVE AT VASSAR COLLEGE

Students and faculty from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Geography, and Urban Studies at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY collaborated for 10 weeks in the summer of 2006 to assess the health of an urbanization-impacted stream that flows through campus and the surrounding community. The work began with a week of lectures delivered by the faculty to provide everyone in the group with the background information necessary to understand basic hydrologic processes and features, aquatic biogeochemistry and ecosystems, the nature and importance of riparian buffers, and the role of scientific information in policy-making and development issues. Thereafter, the group measured nutrient concentrations in stream water, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, fecal coliform levels, and metals in water and sediment. We also conducted kick-net studies for macro-invertebrates, did vegetation surveys to determine the width and composition of the riparian buffer, conducted GIS analyses of land use in the watershed, and investigated local, state, and federal laws and ordinances that regulate water quality. A total of 20 sampling sites were visited repeatedly throughout the summer, with nearly all faculty members and students participating in each sampling trip and the resulting lab work. Both students and faculty thoroughly enjoyed the cross-fertilization of working with colleagues in different fields and the opportunity to bring their own expertise to a problem of direct local relevance. A mid-summer visit of faculty from Furman University and Middlebury College gave the students an opportunity to present their research results and to receive important feedback in an informal and supportive setting. The project also benefited from interactions with county urban planners, a municipal engineer, and the director of a neighboring watershed protection organization. Future work will include outreach to the local community via an educational symposium, presentation to the town council, and a stream cleanup project.