Return to Sucker Creek: URBAN project unites students for water research

Lisa

'A lot of the experiences and learning they’re doing is invaluable. The students also get exposure to what life at McMaster is like,' said biology professor Pat Chow-Fraser, one of the coordinators of URBAN. Participating students presented their findings at the University Club earlier this month.


A group of First Nations high school students from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation volunteered their time this summer to conduct investigative research on the Bruce Peninsula.

Undergraduate and graduate students from McMaster biology professor Pat Chow-Fraser’s lab were recruited to help six students survey the creek for water chemistry and macro-invertebrates.

Their research was part of the Urban-Rural Biomonitoring and Assessment Network (URBAN) — a growing outreach and education initiative between McMaster and First Nations high school students. This partnership is important for both communities, as it brings learning outside the classroom and opens up new opportunities for students.

Studying bugs was no big deal for students out in the field. In fact, Grade 9 student Jacob Ritchie’s favourite part was being able to identify them.

Aside from being waist deep in water, the students also got to spend some time exploring Hamilton while staying on campus and working in the lab. “Getting to stay in the dorms was a really fun part, and the campus was really nice,” said Ritchie.

Chow-Fraser says the value of a project like URBAN is bringing together a diverse group of students to learn from each other.

“A lot of the experiences and learning they’re doing is invaluable. The students also get exposure to what life at McMaster is like,” she explained.

This year’s research builds on findings from last year.

In 2013, participating students examined the watershed of Sucker Creek and found that the creek was influenced by agricultural runoff and showing signs of degradation.

This summer, students compared the findings from 2013 to current samples. Students also examined Albermarle Creek, a less-disturbed site which eventually flows into Lake Huron near Sauble Beach.

The team ultimately found that Sucker Creek is still in an unhealthy state and is in need of remediation. However, the students found Albermarle Creek to be in good condition.

The students presented their findings to McMaster president Patrick Deane earlier this month, along with Robert Baker, dean of the Faculty of Science; RBC Foundation representatives; and a selection of teachers, family and friends.

Chow-Fraser wants to use the team’s research as a baseline for other students to look at answering deeper questions.

The project was one of several created as a result of a $1.5 million gift from the RBC Foundation, for the RBC Water and Health Initiative.

Highlights from the students’ research can be seen in the video below: