Phosphates and Algal Blooms

Our Gray Area investigators were hot on a new trail today as they conducted various tests to determine if phosphate from fertilizer or manure might be causing an algal bloom in James Pond. With their eyes on the cattle ranch, small town, and golf course, they discovered algal blooms result from excessive algae growth. As the overabundant algae rots away, it causes bacteria to use up all the oxygen in the water, negatively effecting the fish population.  Ask your student who we discovered our new leading suspect to be!

We also put on our poet hats and read Dogku to learn about the art of picking the perfect words to expressed our Jones Gap experience through Haiku.

Freezing cold water
Amazing creatures around
A beautiful day!
- Kailen

Bugs in the forest
They were having a meeting
On a big, fat, log.
- Kamryn

Cool, cold, wet, awesome
river. Splash! Freezing cold..whoa...
I don't want to ...SPLASH!
-Sydney

Going on a hike
Coming back to get in the
water. Find dead trees.
-Sean

It was like a dream
Amazing creatures passing by
Best experience
-Shaina

Wind blowing in my face
Fresh scent of blooming flowers
noisy birds tweeting.
-Gabby

Ran, tripped, was great!
Amazing animals, cool
freezing cold water.
-Kayden

I see nature here.
At Jones Gap State Park today
Nature everywhere.
-Mary Ann

Water sparkling
Moving body of water
The water is cold.
-Hailey