Citizen Science Article
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Residents learn to love their inner scientist What's the point of scientific research if people don't understand anduse it? Very little. That's why the Nisqually Reach Nature Center hosted a Citizen Science symposium Saturday: to give South Sound residents a chance to learn how science explains their surroundings. About 50 people turned out for the daylong event at Lacey's River Ridge High School . Topics ranged from the hazards of living near Mount Rainier to restoration of South Sound prairies and how migratory birds use the Nisqually River delta. "It's always interesting to know about living in the shadow of a volcano, for sure," said Dennis Downing of Olympia , who has volunteered to help with some of the center's research. The nonprofit education, interpretive and research organization is located near the mouth of the Nisqually River . Downing was among those listening intently to Pat Pringle, a volcanologist and Centralia College assistant professor. Pringle explained why Mount Rainier might not be as stable as it appears. Centuries ago the volcano shaped the landscape throughout the South Sound, sending lahars, or volcanic mud flows, surging to the water's edge. Even without a new eruption, the mountain is vulnerable to collapse, which could touch off a catastrophic mud flow inundating downstream communities, Pringle said. Because no one can predict the mountain's future, scientists have set up lahar detection devices along its west flank. "We need to learn more about the volcano so we can be more comfortable living next to it," Pringle said. If people are aware of the risks, they might be able to plan escape routes, he said. Saturday's conference was designed to help people make informed decisions about government policies and encourage environmental stewardship, organizers said. "The end goal is getting people directly involved," said Daniel Hull, the center's director. Gordon Bellevue of Chehalis already has done his part. On Saturday morning, he presented the results of a year of research on microscopic plant life in the Nisqually River delta. He began the work while finishing his bachelor's degree in biology at St. Martin 's University in Lacey. "I'm not a scientist. I've never been employed as a scientist," said Bellevue , who earned his degree last year after retiring from the Navy. "I'm just fascinated with the way the world works and how interconnected things are." His work detailed changes in plant populations, which could serve as a baseline for research on the ecology of the delta. "If you want to understand the food web you can't ignore the basics of it," Bellevue said. "Food energy from the plankton works its way up the food chain to us." Betsy Kirkpatrick, a University of Puget Sound biology professor who has been studying prairie ecology, was heartened by the response to her research on ways to counter soil damage from invasive Scotch broom. Immediately after her speech, three volunteers approached her. Scientists need help from ordinary people, she said. "The only way we're really going to make a significant impact dealing with invasive species and habitat restoration is if we involve citizens in the process," she said, "because we don't have the time and the person power to do everything we need to do." To learn more about the Nisqually Reach Nature Center , go to www.nisquallyestuary.org. Organizers say they plan to post some of the presentations from Saturday's Citizen Science conference there soon. Susan Gordon: 253-597-8756 There's More... |