Participation Type
Poster
Session Abstract or Summary
Students in Young Harris College’s Ichthyology course, as part of the Appalachian Teaching Project, collaborated with the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition to address the issue of sustainable water quality in Appalachian communities by developing the Southern Appalachian Snorkeling Trail. The project linked fish biodiversity to the water quality of local streams, through the recreational and experiential learning activity of snorkeling. The project was designed to encourage the intersection of fisheries science, environmental sustainability and ecotourism in the region. The central focus of the first year of this project was to create the snorkeling trail. To accomplish this, students conducted field research and used findings to develop informational materials including a guidebook that contains maps, directions, site descriptions, and fish descriptions. The guidebook reviews eight sites spread across five watersheds in northeast Georgia and southwest North Carolina, each of which contains a unique assemblage of fishes. Sites were chosen based upon public access, safety considerations, and water clarity. These materials will be made available to the public, both online and through community partners, to promote snorkeling experience and highlight the need for preserving and protecting water quality in southern Appalachian streams. The project hopes to increase appreciation for the waters of Appalachia as a unique natural and cultural asset while providing economic opportunity. Future research will seek to add additional sites for the snorkeling trail and create interdisciplinary opportunities that enhance community engagement with the project.
Presentation #1 Title
The Southern Appalachian Snorkeling Trail: Preserving Water Quality in Appalachian Communities by Promoting Native Fishes
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Students in Young Harris College’s Ichthyology course, as part of the Appalachian Teaching Project, collaborated with the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition to address the issue of sustainable water quality in Appalachian communities by developing the Southern Appalachian Snorkeling Trail. The project linked fish biodiversity to the water quality of local streams, through the recreational and experiential learning activity of snorkeling. The project was designed to encourage the intersection of fisheries science, environmental sustainability and ecotourism in the region. The central focus of the first year of this project was to create the snorkeling trail. To accomplish this, students conducted field research and used findings to develop informational materials including a guidebook that contains maps, directions, site descriptions, and fish descriptions. The guidebook reviews eight sites spread across five watersheds in northeast Georgia and southwest North Carolina, each of which contains a unique assemblage of fishes. Sites were chosen based upon public access, safety considerations, and water clarity. These materials will be made available to the public, both online and through community partners, to promote snorkeling experience and highlight the need for preserving and protecting water quality in southern Appalachian streams. The project hopes to increase appreciation for the waters of Appalachia as a unique natural and cultural asset while providing economic opportunity. Future research will seek to add additional sites for the snorkeling trail and create interdisciplinary opportunities that enhance community engagement with the project.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Johnathan Davis specializes in fisheries and aquatic ecology and teaches courses in fisheries, organismal biology, and environmental science at Young Harris College. He currently serves as the program coordinator of environmental sciences and is a 2018 Appalachian Teaching Fellow through the Appalachian Teaching Project, which provided funding for this research. His research interests include projects focused on the conservation of endemic fishes and crayfishes of southern Appalachia.
The Southern Appalachian Snorkeling Trail: Preserving Water Quality in Appalachian Communities by Promoting Native Fishes
Students in Young Harris College’s Ichthyology course, as part of the Appalachian Teaching Project, collaborated with the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition to address the issue of sustainable water quality in Appalachian communities by developing the Southern Appalachian Snorkeling Trail. The project linked fish biodiversity to the water quality of local streams, through the recreational and experiential learning activity of snorkeling. The project was designed to encourage the intersection of fisheries science, environmental sustainability and ecotourism in the region. The central focus of the first year of this project was to create the snorkeling trail. To accomplish this, students conducted field research and used findings to develop informational materials including a guidebook that contains maps, directions, site descriptions, and fish descriptions. The guidebook reviews eight sites spread across five watersheds in northeast Georgia and southwest North Carolina, each of which contains a unique assemblage of fishes. Sites were chosen based upon public access, safety considerations, and water clarity. These materials will be made available to the public, both online and through community partners, to promote snorkeling experience and highlight the need for preserving and protecting water quality in southern Appalachian streams. The project hopes to increase appreciation for the waters of Appalachia as a unique natural and cultural asset while providing economic opportunity. Future research will seek to add additional sites for the snorkeling trail and create interdisciplinary opportunities that enhance community engagement with the project.
