We all know that the real estate market is hot. Last evening Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club volunteers worked overtime to bring “Chimney Swift Tower” closer to completion. The final phase of the operation is overlaying the structure with hand stenciled sheathing showing swifts in flight. When complete, the complex will rival Chicago’s famed Marina City, and it is expected that a long list of area chimney swifts will compete for a lease.

To the right of “Chimney Swift Tower” is the school district’s “Purple Martin Monor”, already at full occupancy.

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Pictured above are (l to r) Mr. Smith, Madaline Long, Avah Berry, Autumn Walls, Mr. Stoll, Phenyx Tudor, and Kurtis Fishbaugh.

Work on the tower commenced following the conclusion of the regular ESC meeting which was held at the Mad River in Zanesfield. The 20 plus students in attendance learned about the Ohio EPA’s monitoring of the  water quality of Ohio’s streams and rivers from macroinvertebrate biologist Leah Kalty. Last summer Ms. Kalty conducted a survey of the Mad River in Logan County collecting data that will be used to create a report on the river’s health. Following a discussion of her work and career, students were shown sampling techniques and they then collected macroinvertebrates from the river. Ms. Kalty showed the students how to identify the bugs that were collected, and explained how the diversity of the river ecosystem can lead to an understanding of water quality.

The Environmental Science Club is cosponsored by the school district and the Logan County Land Trust. Approximately thirty students from fourth through eighth grades participate. The Environmental Science Club is directed by Catherine Carter, Ryan Kerns, Spencer Reames, Bruce Smith, and Bob Stoll. For more information, contact Bruce Smith at smithb@benjamin logan.org.

Pictured above are (l to r) Mr. Smith, Madaline Long, Avah Berry, Autumn Walls, Mr. Stoll, Phenyx Tudor, and Kurtis Fishbaugh.

Work on the tower this evening commenced following the conclusion of the regular ESC meeting which was held at the Mad River in Zanesfield. The 20 plus students in attendance learned about the Ohio EPAs monitoring of the  water quality of Ohio’s streams and rivers from macroinvertebrate biologist Leah Kalty. Last summer Ms. Kalty conducted a survey of the Mad River in Logan County collecting data that will be used to create a report on the river’s health. Following a discussion of her work and career, students were shown sampling techniques and they then collected macroinvertebrates from the river. Ms. Kalty showed the students how to identify the bugs that were collected, and explained how the diversity of the river ecosystem can lead to an understanding of water quality.

The Environmental Science Club is cosponsored by the school district and the Logan County Land Trust. Approximately thirty students from fourth through eighth grades participate. The Environmental Science Club is directed by Catherine Carter, Ryan Kerns, Spencer Reames, Bruce Smith, and Bob Stoll. For more information, contact Bruce Smith at smithb@benjamin logan.org.