My first day in the field...

Today was a beautiful day in Churchill. It was nice, sunny and dry (apparently tomorrow will be the opposite). This is a picture of me learning how to take a vegetation survey. We are helping the researchers collect information on the different plants species in this area. Plant growth is a big indicator of environmental change. Tomorrow we will be collecting information and taking samples at one of the messier research sites.

I am learning a lot about plant growth, soil and climate change. Since we have been studying the water cycle, drinking water and community interactions I have started paying extra attention to water and its role in our society. Staying at the Northern Studies Center also has me thinking about water because they pump and filter their own water and have asked us to limit the amount of water we use. Water conservation is becoming more and more crucial as people become more aware of the world water crisis. As you look at these pictures, pay attention to how the need for water is affecting the way that people live and struggle for water around the globe.