GRPF Programmer & University of Calgary Environmental Sciences Undergraduate student, Alyssa Thompson, explains her passion for park invertebrates…
This summer at the park I am studying the variation of aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity in different springs and spring-fed stream habitats… which is basically a fancy way of saying that this summer I’ll be hiking around the park and picking bugs off the bottom of rocks in springs! Invertebrates are small aquatic organisms that have no backbone, and they are very sensitive to changes in their environment. This makes them great indicator species of water quality, and the diversity and types of invertebrates found in any given area is a reflection of many complex and interrelated factors, such as shade cover, nutrient inputs, temperature and calcium content. With all the diversity of springs and surrounding habitat on the park, I’m sure there will be much to be discovered of the aquatic life in these hidden gems!
To learn more about pond life, park springs, and the amazing spineless critters we have at Glenbow Ranch, join her for a variety of park programs throughout the summer.