Journal Entry 2: Foxcroft Farm 4/23/19

Swamp Ecosystem Week 3, Tuesday Lab Section

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The final day out in the field was just as exciting as the other two days, if not more so. It seemed to be a progression of how interesting the things we found would be. On the first day we found Todd the tadpole, which was exciting and unexpected. The second day was even better because we found both the crayfish and got very close to some chickadees. The final day may have been the best because not 10 minutes in we found a frog which we were able to keep with us for the rest of the field work. We theorized that it was Todd the tadpole all grown up. Some other exciting finds include a few interesting bugs on the surface of the swamp, a centipede in the underbrush nearby, a slug on some sedge, and even a pigweed flea beetle who seemed very content to just hang out on my hand.

One thing I've thought that may be a little controversial is that the Biocube isn't necessarily the best way to capture biodiversity. I don't think life should be limited to the confinements of one cubic foot because it's so well distributed throughout a thriving area, such as a swamp. Regardless, it was fun to try to pick the best place to get plant matter and hopefully certain water bugs.

The farm experience as a whole was really fun and informational. Coming from a city, I was never incredibly outdoorsy or invested in nature, so I was glad to have the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone. Not only that, I feel fortunate to have been in the swamp ecosystem, because it was teeming with life.

- By David