The week started out with some article readings and dam mapping, as the weather wasn’t great for field work. These articles weren’t as simple as the first week, though. Most of my science background to date is in chemistry, biology, and physics. I’m taking my first geology course next semester, and I run into sentences like, “In the glacio-lacustrine hydrosequence, depth to subsurface concentrations of oxalate extractable Fe (>800 g m”3) decreased with increasing wetness.” I mean, I still refer to soil as “dirt” unironically. But with the help of a few USDA and USGS resources, I made my way through it. I came away with a better understanding of the complexity in interactions between soils, water, and wildlife that occur in beaver habitats. It really is incredible how strongly these animals influence their ecosystem beyond the obvious tree-cutting and dam building.
I did get into the field on Friday, intending to grab a few soil samples after lunch at Left Hand Creek. It’s only about 30 minutes out of town, easy enough to do in an afternoon. I got to the parking spot and began making my way towards the beaver pond, but just as I got near where the wetlands began I heard splashing. I immediately thought that I’d come across one of the beavers, and quickly moved around the stand of trees between us to see a mama moose and her calf. A very large mama moose who was separated from me by a very shallow and suddenly much smaller creek. It was at this point that the rational part of my brain that doesn’t like running toward loud noises finally regained some control, and I calmly went right back behind the trees that had separated us. By the time I’d gotten my camera out and moved to a better position, they’d already disappeared deeper into the forest. But at least I got my first view of a moose in the wild and managed not to get trampled in the process.
