Otter Point Creek ComponentChesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - Maryland
Background
The Otter Point Creek Alliance and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland (CBNERR-MD) co-sponsor a summer research internship. Internships are open to qualified undergraduate students to conduct a summer research project within the Otter Point Creek Component of CBNER-MD. The Maryland reserve is one of 29 Reserves throughout the country that serve as field laboratories for the betterment of coastal zone management through research, education, and stewardship.
Site Description
Otter Point Creek is one of three sites that comprise CBNERR-MD. It contains 704 acres of upland and riparian forest, tidal freshwater marshes, streams, creeks, submerged aquatic vegetation, and open water. Otter Point Creek is located in the tidal headwaters of the Bush River in Harford County, Maryland. Staff from the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center oversees all efforts and activities at Otter Point Creek. Students are encouraged to work with staff to coordinate the use of laboratories, field equipment, and other amenities (canoes, boats, storage space, etc.) in support of their research project. Students are also encouraged to incorporate education and volunteer opportunities, if applicable, in their research efforts.
Research Topics
Otter Point Creek is an ideal site for a broad range of research topics with a diversity of habitats. Students can work with the Park Manager to develop their own research project from the topics listed below:
- Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) mapping or species cataloging/abundance.
- State-rare wetland plant identification, surveys and study
- Wild Rice and Phragmites mapping, an update to legacy surveys
- Micro-plastics survey in tidal wetland and estuarine habitats
- Pre and post storm water quality monitoring with a focus on turbidity/water clarity
Application Deadline
All applications must be received by March 15, 2020.
For more information and how to apply go to: http://www.otterpointcreek.org/research-and-monitoring/summer-internship/