One impact I have noticed here is the rapid spread of invasive species - both plant and animal. The increased spread of invasive species can be linked to the changing environmental factors. We have a large area that is mowed at our school. I think doing a biological assessment now and after natives have been planted would be a great MWEE. We also have two areas of erosion that could be assessed and remediated as a MWEE.
Rachael I like that idea of linking climate change and invasive species. Is there one in particular that is coming to your mind? Here in the Eastern US forest managers are seeing a northward expansion of the Southern Pine Beetle which can be destructive and take over forests. There's also some indication that fewer freeze/frost days might also be allowing their populations to reproduce more frequently. Here are two articles about them that might be interesting to you:
Invasive species are such a problem that very few people understand. Places like Home Depot and Lowes actually sell them. I think we need to educate our students about them and how they decrease biodiversity. When I learned about them in a class I took one summer, I realized how many are growing in my own yard. I started cutting them down and ripping them up. (I may never get them all!)
Rachel,
I think that sounds like a great, and probably huge project. I would love to hear how you might tackle that. Our entire campus edge is nothing but invasives, and many of them have taken over past tree plantings.
Jaime
Hi Rachael,
My students became alive after learning about an invasive parasite that affects the brown mud crab, found in the Chesapeake Bay. This parasite turns male crabs into female crabs. The video is engaging: https://insider.si.edu/2012/09/undersea-parasite-turns-male-mud-crabs-female/
Very interesting. I think more about invasive species on land but could explore aquatic invasive species more with my students.
I like the idea of looking at the invasive species around our campus. Talking about invasive species and their problems is something I've always done but it would be great to find out if some invasive species are here because of climate change. This would be great to show a local effect on the ecosystem because of climate change.
Invasive species will remain an ongoing nemesis for us all. Many are a result of climate change and Habitat alterations and Human feet!
This organization's monthly meetings are open to the public. http://mdinvasives.org/
Could use this as a MWEE for a Goverment-or History class ( does not have to be science) with removal of Species on a "field trip" to the School backyard habitat to remove one of the level one invaders in their own yard.