Saginaw Forest: Caretakers' blog: Water Sampling and Campfire

Use of the Forest

Public use of Saginaw Forest is encouraged. Rules for the public's use include (but are not limited to):

No parking in front of the access gate.
Public use hours are from 6am to 6pm only; no camping on the site!
No vehicles or bicycles are permitted on the site except those for approved research and teaching use (bike parking available at the main gate).
Dogs with owners are welcome to visit, but they must be on a leash. (Also see here.)
Dog owners must carry out all pet waste; please bring your own doggie bag to do so.
No cutting or collecting of plant material; no hunting or harming vertebrates (this includes no fishing).
No smoking.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Water Sampling and Campfire

Last Friday's Campfire was a blast. I was able to get everything accomplished on time, and although it rained, all of the events were over by the time rain drove the horde away. I believe the cross-cut saw contest ended with two teams tied in victory with a time of 23 seconds.

This week has been water sampling centered. Tuesday were the wells and the tap, and today was the lake. The process of sampling the lake was roughly outlined to me--they take a boat out, divid the lake into three sections, and then test the water at 3 different depths. Generally, the levels of dioxane have been reported as decreasing. I should be getting the report from last years samples shortly.

This morning was stunning. Saginaw has a way of being particularly spectacular when I'm going through a rough time. Whatever mood I wake up with, it dissipates at least temporarily when I head out for morning rounds. The light filtered through the trees in that special way that gives you pause, and the fog over the lake slowly swirled away before my eyes. The witch hazel is looking magnificent, yellow flowers on yellow leaves.

Sometimes I can't believe I live here.