Tim DePriest
CEIRP Project

BOCES New Visions-Cornell :
Working with instructors, Mark Johnson and Thea Martin, I have introduced the students to the practices and challenges of conducting ecological field research by leading investigations into forest ecosystems. Thea Martin's students engaged in designing a sampling method for forest herbs, compared physical and biological characteristics of an Old-growth forest to a young forest, and explored the distribution of tree species in relation to elevation on an Adirondack mountainside. Mark Johnson's students completed an in depth ecological investigation into local Old-growth forests, to establish a set of baseline data for assessing human impact on the local landscape. Working as a team, the students have collected data on tree species and size diversity, abundance of woody debris, and depth of leaf litter in six Old-growth forest study sites. The students learned how to grapple with many of the logistical decisions in doing fieldwork, and managing a rather large database, which includes over 800 recorded trees. We are planning to contribute present and future findings to the New York Old Growth Forest Association.

BOCES New Visions-Cortland :
The instructor of this class, Tim Sandstrom, requires that each of his students complete independent research projects for each the six-week unit, focusing on an environmentally related theme. So far, the students have completed research projects in the Forestry, and fish and wildlife units, and are currently in the middle of their environmental issues unit. My role has been to support and assist each of the students in their projects. The students have been responsible for designing their research projects, and give presentations about their findings in formal research symposia.

Merriday School Garden Project:
By working with youths in the after-school program at Merriday school in Syracuse, NY, we have begun to establish a school garden providing the opportunity to explore scientific concepts and applications. So far we have focused on getting the soil ready by measuring such factors as pH, nutrients, texture, and drainage, and starting a composting system that will turn the school's food and yard waste into useful soil fertilizer. We are awaiting notice of being accepted for a grant that will provide the students will tools and seeds for the upcoming growing season.