Lenoir Community College Principles of Biology (Biology 110) students took to outdoors to learn about watersheds, pollution, environmental equity, and local issues regarding water quality. Samantha Krop from Sound Rivers spoke to the students about monitoring and protecting waterways.

She used her YSI meter, and had students collect samples along the Adkin branch so that she can take them back to the lab to analyze bacteria and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The students not only collected water samples for analysis but contributed to the North Carolina Stream Watch, an online database that allows citizens to log observation. Students then picked up trash along the stream bank.

LCC Chemistry/Biology Instructor Dr. Maria Messner said her students plan to monitor conditions in the upper and lower Adkin branch each semester as part of their studies.