Studies in the Park

Stream Monitoring:
Radford High School has almost one hundred students enrolled in Biology II, a second year biology course for Juniors and Seniors. The curriculum is built around the chemical and biological monitoring of Connelly’s Run stream. Students regularly collect data on oxygen, pH, nitrates, phosphates, ammonia, hardness and iron using chemical test kits. Students use the biological monitoring protocol of the Izaak Walton League’s Save Our Streams to assess water quality. The SOS protocol is based on collecting and identifying all macroinvertebrates- insect larva, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, etc. in a square yard of stream bottom. Data is plugged into a mathematical formula which assigns values to insect species based on their tolerance to pollution. Students also monitor algae and sediment on rocks collected in riffles as well as qualitative monitoring of stream bank erosion.

Field Guides:
Radford High School students, under the direction of Biology Teacher Frank Taylor have published field guides specific to the flora and fauna of Wildwood Park.

What is in each book? Each species introduced in the books has a description, an illustration, and note on its natural and its interactions with other species. Descriptions also include known herbal, medicinal, or commercial uses, past and present, where applicable.

Where does the money for the books go? All donations for books go directly to the production and publication of more books produced by Radford High School Students.

Available Titles:

A Field Guide to the Spring Woodland Wildflowers of Wildwood Park
A Field Guide to the Trees of Wildwood Park
A Field Guide to the Meadow Flowers of Wildwood Park
A Field Guide to the Aquatic Invertebrates of Wildwood Park (local edition)
Common Stream Invertebrates: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Larvae and Adults (state-wide version of local edition listed above)

…. And coming in 2003-2004 A Field Guide to the Wildlife of the New River !!!

Where can I get one? Books are available at Encore Gifts or the Radford High School Office. You may write to ftaylor@rcps.org and request a copy or download an order form from: http://www.rcps.org/rhs/rhsbio/Taylor/biology/fieldguide.htm

Field Guides are $4.00 each. See order form for discounts on multiple copies.

Microscopic Flora and Fauna of the Tufa Wetland:
A survey by Radford University Principles of Biology students.

Butterfly Gardens/Meadows:
With funding from the Environmental Protection Agency Enviro Education Program and the Virginia Environmental Endowment, two butterfly gardens were established in the park in 2000, in the flood plain of Connelly's Run. Plants that provide nectar for butterflies and food for their caterpillars were planted. The species of butterflies using the gardens were monitored.

In 2003, the Wildwood Committee decide to allow the butterfly gardens to convert to a more natural state, becoming "butterfly meadows." Minimal maintenance, provided by volunteer labor, will ensure that butterfly-attracting plants continue to flourish and support the park's butterflies. However, no effort will be made to maintain manicured gardens. The new meadows should continue to be areas of beauty and will still be used by students of the Radford schools and Radford University for education and research. For more on the history of the Butterfly Gardens/Meadows see the Butterfly Meadows page.

Chestnut Restoration:
Stuart Walker, a local boy Scout, is working with the American Chestnut Cooperators Foundation to attempt restoration of American chestnut trees in Wildwood Park.

Studies under Dr. Kugler:
Dr. Chuck Kugler of Radford University has overseen several research studies in Wildwood Park undertaken by Radford students.

Environmental Effects on the Closure of Spring Beauty Flowers by Amy Brennan, Holly Matthews and Tara Ross.
Nutrient and pH Levels of Wildwood Soil by Cathy Rabago, Tripp Wilkinson and Brian Robey.
Nutrients in Wet Soils Versus Dry Soils around Seeps by Lori Fisher and Lotoya Austin.