STAfFORD LAke reflection |
Reflection:
Stafford lake is a man-made lake with a stream that is also man-made because of this. The stream is getting increasingly straight, as opposed to meandering towards the lake. Because of this, the water is rushing toward the lake too fast, creating a large canyon caused by the too fast erosion. This is also taking a large amount of sediment to the lake, which contaminates the drinking water within it. There are also a large quantity of invasive species approaching the stream rapidly.
To address this, the Open Space organization is repairing the creek to make it meander more naturally and reduce the erosion and speed of the water. They are also laying down sheet mulch to stop the spread of invasive species.
We worked on spreading the sheet mulch on a strip to keep invasive species out of the area near the stream.
Our work was part of what is called an Integrated Pest Management Approach. This uses natural measures to tackle these problems as opposed to using chemical measures. This is why we used all natural materials that can break down and be well-integrated into the ecosystem.
I liked parts of this field trip. I enjoyed being able to work with friends and have conversations with them while we work, as we can't really do that in class. This work is also quite important, as it keeps our town of Novato supplied with good drinking water. That is why good volunteer work can be so important to the community.
Stafford lake is a man-made lake with a stream that is also man-made because of this. The stream is getting increasingly straight, as opposed to meandering towards the lake. Because of this, the water is rushing toward the lake too fast, creating a large canyon caused by the too fast erosion. This is also taking a large amount of sediment to the lake, which contaminates the drinking water within it. There are also a large quantity of invasive species approaching the stream rapidly.
To address this, the Open Space organization is repairing the creek to make it meander more naturally and reduce the erosion and speed of the water. They are also laying down sheet mulch to stop the spread of invasive species.
We worked on spreading the sheet mulch on a strip to keep invasive species out of the area near the stream.
Our work was part of what is called an Integrated Pest Management Approach. This uses natural measures to tackle these problems as opposed to using chemical measures. This is why we used all natural materials that can break down and be well-integrated into the ecosystem.
I liked parts of this field trip. I enjoyed being able to work with friends and have conversations with them while we work, as we can't really do that in class. This work is also quite important, as it keeps our town of Novato supplied with good drinking water. That is why good volunteer work can be so important to the community.