Latest News
Summer Internship Opportunity: Ecosystems
The Ecosystems Group at Stroud Water Research Center is seeking a current or recently graduated science major to serve as laboratory and field assistant in a variety of projects.
Summer Internship Opportunity: Entomology
We're seeking current or recently graduated science majors to serve as laboratory assistants in a biological water-quality analysis of sites in the Schuylkill and Delaware River Basins.
$50,000 Challenge Match Grant Generously Sponsored by the Colket Family Foundation
This challenge grant will enable us to sustain and expand our community-wide education and training programs, curricula, and instructional technologies.
Coronavirus Update
The health and safety of our staff and community are of utmost concern and we are closely monitoring the coronavirus situation.
A Message From Dave Arscott, Executive Director of Stroud Water Research Center
We need to embrace this moment of massive awareness as our window of opportunity to take genuine action and to work harder to advance human rights and equality for all.
Elucidating stream bacteria utilizing terrestrial dissolved organic matter
Akinwole, P., L. Kaplan, and R. Findlay. 2021. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 37, article 32.
Expanding Watershed Restoration Beyond the Stream Corridor
Healthy streams need healthy watersheds. Improving soil health in farm fields can be a very cost-effective way to reach water-quality goals.
How Collaboration Ensures Adequate Drinking-Water Supply Across the Delaware River Basin
Watch a panel discussion on the evolution of policies that regulate water allocation and use from the Delaware River.
Oviedo-Vargas Shares Her STEM Career Journey
The Stroud Center biogeochemist was featured in a women-in-STEM webinar series hosted by EarthEcho International.
David Wise Recognized as a Good Natured Pennsylvanian
Growing up in Lancaster County and playing in its creeks, Wise had an up-close view of some of the water-quality issues he is now working to correct.
Helping Watershed Groups Through Education and Mentorship
The Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds has helped over 42,000 Pennsylvanians pursue watershed monitoring, protection, and restoration.
Ghosts of landuse past: legacy effects of milldams for riparian nitrogen (N) processing and water quality functions
Inamdar, S., M. Peipoch, A. Gold, E. Lewis, J. Hripto, M. Sherman, K. Addy, D. Merritts, J. Kan, et al. 2021. Environmental Research Letters, early online access.
Effect of decreasing biological lability on dissolved organic matter dynamics in streams
Li, A., J.D. Drummond, J.C. Bowen, R.M. Cory, L.A. Kaplan, and A.I. Packman. 2020. Water Resources Research, early online access.
Ecosystem-based management for military training, biodiversity, carbon storage, and climate resiliency on a complex coastal land/water-scape
Christensen, N.L., P.A. Cunningham, K. Matthews, I.C. Anderson, M.J. Brush, S. Cohen, C.A. Currin, S. Ensign et al. 2020. Journal of Environmental Management, early online access.
Peering at the Future of Stream Water Quality Through a (Very Hazy) Crystal Ball
The crystal ball we're using is a web app that models how water, sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus move across and underneath the earth’s surface.
A Family’s Restoration Adventure, Four Years In
In 2017, Bud and Marilyn Miller were the proud overseers of a new riparian buffer. Since then, a beautiful transformation has unfolded on their property.
Your Support is Essential to Our Work
By not having any in-person programs and workshops, we’ve been severely limited in our revenue intake, so your support this year is truly crucial.
Oxygen limitation fails to explain upper chronic thermal limits and the temperature size rule in mayflies
Funk, D.H., B.W. Sweeney, and J.K. Jackson. 2020. Journal of Experimental Biology 2020:jeb.233338.
Spatial and temporal variations of bacterioplankton in the Chesapeake Bay: a re‐examination with high‐throughput sequencing analysis
Wang, H., C. Zhang, F. Chen, and J. Kan. 2020. Limnology and Oceanography 65(12):3032-3045.
A Living Legacy: Stroud Water Research Center Celebrates the Life of Chief Quiet Thunder
His boundless legacy and life’s work honoring indigenous peoples, humanity, and the earth will inspire us all for generations to come.
Grateful, Even in This Difficult Year
Having you as a Friend of Stroud Water Research Center means more to us this year than you can possibly know.
Creek Critters a Finalist for Excellence in Hands-On Science Book Award
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults.
Pennsylvania Establishes a Soil Health Coalition
Healthy soils are a win for the farmers, a win for the environment, and a win for society, with the ability to grow healthy foods in a more sustainable way.
White Clay Creek: A Pennsylvania Stream Responds to Reforestation
The East Branch of White Clay Creek is the subject of a restoration study on a time scale rarely applied to streams or rivers anywhere in the world.
A Small Farm Offers Big Opportunities for Measuring Watershed Restoration Success
Stream restorations rarely get monitored rigorously enough to determine if the “patient” has fully recovered.
Student Voices Return to Stroud Water Research Center During COVID-19 Education Programming
Our educators have returned to something they do very well: delivering high-quality outdoor education programming that is both safe and meaningful for participants.
Better Gardens, Better Soils: Improve Water Quality and Soil Health in Your Backyard
With a little bit of knowledge and prep work in the off season, you can just plant and harvest. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Transcriptomic and life history responses of the mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer to chronic diel thermal challenge
Hsuan C., D.D. Jima, D.H. Funk, J.K. Jackson, B.W. Sweeney, and D.B. Buchwalter. 2020. Nature Scientific Reports 10:19119.
From Cities to Suburbs to Farms: How Innovative Water Management Helps River Health
Learn from a panel of experts how natural and green infrastructure are paying off for the health of the Delaware River.
Pennsylvania Watershed Education Task Force Honored with 2020 Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award and Second NOAA B-WET Grant
The task force is advancing statewide environmental literacy and meaningful watershed education for K-12 students and educators.
Restoring the River Continuum Community
We're working with partners and land users to implement natural solutions to regenerate soils and safeguard fresh water, solutions that benefit both human communities and the entire ecosystem.
Mimicking Nature to Manage Water On-Site
Watch a roundtable discussion among the designers, engineers, and client about “getting the water right” at Stroud Water Research Center’s Moorhead Environmental Complex.
Leaf Pack Network Adds Hands-On Experience to Virtual Learning
A Canadian university is making sure students get fieldwork experience despite the pandemic — by mailing them freshwater field kits to use at home.
Volunteers Help Plant Trees for Healthy Streams
The trees will help restore stream banks, create habitat corridors, and mitigate runoff from a nearby road.
Schuylkill River Community Scientist Monitoring Project to Kick Off on World Habitat Day
The project aims to document the current ecological status and health of the river and seeks to engage and educate a diverse set of river users and residents.
Stroud Water Research Center Celebrates The Redford Center
Executive Director Jill Tidman accepted the Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence in recognition of The Redford Center’s dedication to protect the environment and fresh water.
What Do Hemp Fiber, Soil Health, and Water Quality Have in Common?
Stroud Water Research Center has launched a collaborative project to study the cultivation, soil health and environmental impact, and manufacturing of industrial hemp fiber.
Meaningful Watershed Education: A Lasting and Expanding Partnership With a Local School District
The partnership has become a model for building formal and non-formal education partnerships in systemic watershed education.
Patience is the Mother of Science: Long-Term Responses of a Stream to Reforestation
We're studying how White Clay Creek can recover from deforestation and agricultural expansion and to what extent restoration practices can acclerate that recovery.
Highlights From the Clean Water Paddle Push
From families enjoying their backyard ponds to research scientists relaxing with some paddling time after spending a day taking samples, a collective 225 hours were logged on the water.
Meet Lauren Ryley, Administrative Assistant
When Stroud Water Research Center’s doors reopen to the public, Lauren Ryley's will be the first face you see when entering the Moorhead Environmental Complex, so we want to take
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: William LaFond
With the world’s need for clean fresh water more pressing than ever, we must increase our capacity to pursue our mission.
The 2020 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence
Co-founded in 2005 by Robert Redford and his son, James Redford, the Redford Center uses the power of film and media to engage people through inspiring stories to environmental action.
To Fish or Not to Fish: Using Real-Time Data to Protect Trout Populations
Fishing guides in Michigan are using real-time data from an EnviroDIY monitoring station to remotely make appropriate decisions on where and when to fish.
The Hidden World of Stream Insects
Entomologist David Funk presents an hour-long dive into the natural histories of some of the most fascinating stream insects he has photographed.
Spotlight on Stephanie Bernasconi
Bernasconi originally wanted to be a marine biologist but a semester on a sailing ship convinced her to stick to studying fresh water.
Bridging Barriers in Environmental STEM
New grants support education programs for underserved youth and prioritize minority and economically disadvantaged populations and local environmental justice communities.
Stream Reach: Building Communities from White Clay Creek to the Yangtze Basin
To truly make a difference requires, not only understanding freshwater systems, but working with all kinds of communities to protect them.
700 Trees, Three Volunteers, and a Quilt
Fiber artist Martha Ressler found a unique way to honor the volunteers who helped her and her husband Jay plant a “mini-forest” on their property: she immortalized them in a
47 Years and Counting: Crew Completes Susquehanna River Sampling
Stroud Center entomologists have been sampling macroinvertebrates in the Susquehanna River near Procter & Gamble’s Mehoopany plant since 1974.
The Winner of the Plastic Free Challenge Is …
It’s challenging to limit plastic use in normal circumstances, but it’s nearly impossible to do during a global pandemic, Stroud Center staff discovered.
Focusing on Farms to Safeguard the Delaware River
An article in Edible Philly dives into the effort to protect and restore clean water in the Delaware River watershed by working with farmers.
Stream restoration for legacy sediments at Gramies Run, Maryland: early lessons from implementation, water quality monitoring, and soil health
Mattern, K., A. Lutgen, N. Sienkiewicz, G. Jiang , J. Kan, M. Peipoch, and S. Inamdar. 2020. Water 12(8):2164.
The Intersection of Science and Policy for Clean Water and a Healthy Delaware River
Watch the video of the first webinar in a four-part series celebrating American River's 2020 River of the Year, Delaware River.
Delaware River Webinar Series Announced
The Delaware River was named 2020 River of the Year by American Rivers for its progress in improving water quality, river restoration, and community revitalization.
Newbold Honored With Society of Freshwater Science Award of Excellence
Newbold's research on nutrient spiraling has been at the forefront of stream ecology for over 35 years and is recognized as an outstanding contribution to freshwater science.
Meet Our 2020 (Virtual) Interns!
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from bringing interns onto our campus this year but we are fortunate to have four interns working remotely.
Ensuring Programmatic and Research Stability During Uncertain Times
We have come a long way since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic but our financial losses of program fees and donations are substantial setbacks.
Soil Health Movement Is Reducing Water Pollution and Farmers’ Costs
“We really want to try to help the scientific community understand what the impact of healthier soils is on delivery of pollutants to waterways.”
Don’t Stop Me Now! Studying the Effects of Milldam Removal
Stroud Water Research Center scientists are investigating how milldam removal might affect groundwater and surface water quality.
Talking Soil Health on Public Radio
Healthy soils can reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff, and increase stormwater infiltration, reduce stream flooding, and improve groundwater base flows.
Diving into eeBLUE: Stroud Water Research Center Partners with NOAA and NAAEE to Offer Watershed STEM Education
These grants will support programming for a total of 91 local 21st Century Community Learning Centers sites and their students, many of whom live in high-poverty and underserved areas.
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: Nathan Hayward III
“Life, as we know it, depends on water. The Stroud Center was founded to learn all we can about ways to preserve fresh water for health and sustenance as well
Teach-the-Teacher Workshop Brings Real-Time Data to the Classroom
For teachers, access to real-time data on the Monitor My Watershed data portal can revolutionize the way students are taught about water.
Stroud Center Director of Education Appointed to Academic Standards Committee
Kerlin will bring his expertise to the table as the state Department of Education prepares to update its 17-year-old science standards.
Reducing Crop Loss, Saving Money and Time, and Stewarding Your Land
Farms that have whole-farm financial and yield analyses completed often find that cropping marginal land costs more money than it produces.
Where Are They Now: Jeff Fralick
It was through a Stroud Center internship that Fralick discovered his passion for navigating the relationship between environmental science and policy.
Remembering Claire Birney
Claire’s sense of humor, contagious laugh, and magnificent smile lit up every room she entered, and were just a few of the many gifts she brought to the Stroud Center.
Streambank legacy sediment contributions to suspended sediment‐bound nutrient yields from a Mid‐Atlantic, Piedmont watershed
Jiang, G., A. Lutgen, K. Mattern, N. Sienkiewicz, J. Kan, and S. Inamdar. 2020. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 56(5):820–841.
Explore Your Backyard Watershed and Others Worldwide with the Leaf Pack Network!
How can homemade leaf packs and an online data portal help you study creeping, crawling aquatic macroinvertebrates?
Clean, Healthy Water and Air in Chester County
Learn about the quality of our local streams, the water we drink, and the impact of climate change on our health.
Graduate Research Leading to a Degree from University of Delaware
Two graduate research assistantships related to legacy sediment and nutrient interactions in stream ecosystems are available starting fall 2020 or spring 2021.
Why I Give to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative: Penny Wilson
“Thanks to the Future of Fresh Water Initiative, the public is being educated, awareness is being heightened, and streams are being restored."
Marking the Passing of a Colleague and Mentor
Wayne Minshall was an expert in the ecology of flowing waters and fire ecology and an important contributor and co-author to the River Continuum Concept.
A Watershed of Curiosity
Not everyone has the opportunity to become a professional scientist, but a great scientist can come from anywhere. Anyone can be a part of science.
New Canoe Fleet Helps Foster Meaningful On-the-Water Education
Getting participants outside for learning in nature is a vital step in helping them make connections between the program content and the real world.
Streambank legacy sediments in surface waters: phosphorus sources or sinks?
Inamdar, S., N. Sienkiewicz, A. Lutgen, G. Jiang, and J. Kan. 2020. Soil Systems 4(2):30.
Dive into a Virtual Resource for Teaching and Learning with Aquatic Macroinvertebrates!
You can quite literally experience the creature comforts of staying at home with an innovative, web-based resource to support aquatic macroinvertebrate identification.
Meet Lisa Blazure, Soil Health Coordinator
Blazure brings to Stroud Water Research Center a deep understanding of how improving agricultural soil health can result in healthier streams.
Improving Soil Health for Climate Change Resiliency
Jim Harbach has practiced no-till farming for 30 years and has documented how his soils can better withstand the extreme weather swings associated with climate change.
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Motion
Explore our video library of aquatic macroinvertebrates wriggling, swimming, and crawling through stream water!
Free App Turns Creek Exploration Into Education
The app allows educators, citizen scientists, and creek enthusiasts to learn about water quality and identify aquatic invertebrates with a user-friendly suite of tools.
Enliven Your Storytime with Creek Critters
Do you like scavenger hunts? How can you tell if creek water is clean and healthy? Join Lucas and his sister as they act like scientists looking for certain kinds
Nutrients and heavy metals in legacy sediments: concentrations, comparisons with upland soils, and implications for water quality
Lutgen A., G. Jiang, N. Sienkiewicz, K. Mattern, J. Kan, and S. Inamdar. 2020. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 56(4): 669–691.
Earth Day Celebration: A Streaming Perspective
In this webinar recording John Jackson, Ph.D., talks about the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and its importance from the perspective of a stream.
A Movement Grows to Help Farmers Reduce Pollution and Turn a Profit
An innovative program is showing farmers how to plant cash crops in buffer zones to help stabilize stream banks and clean up waterways.
How Streams Work and the Role of Forests
Understanding how streams work and the importance of trees to streams is fundamental to engaging landowners and decision makers.
Good Things Come in Threes: Exciting News From the Leaf Pack Network
We are excited to announce major improvements to the Leaf Pack Network, an international network of teachers, students, and citizen monitors investigating their local stream ecosystems.
Meet Courtland Hess and Adam Gochnauer, Entomologists
Hess and Gochnauer tell us what brought them to Stroud Water Research Center and what they hope to achieve here.
Stream Monitoring in the Delaware River Basin: More Than Just Numbers
Master Watershed Stewards help develop science capacity to support stream and river protection and restoration by citizen science programs.
Salt in the Water: Action on the Ground
This webinar introduces viewers to how excessive salt affects life in freshwater streams and how a local group is raising awareness and changing behavior.
Pursuing Our Mission While Social Distancing
Our campus is quiet right now, but we want to assure you that we’re continuing our work during these challenging times.
Bacterial communities and nitrogen transformation genes in streambank legacy sediments and implications for biogeochemical processing
Sienkiewicz, N., R.L. Bier, J. Wang, L. Zgleszewski, A. Lutgen, G. Jiang, K. Mattern, S. Inamdar, and J. Kan. 2020. Biogeochemistry.
BB&T, Now Truist, Renews Its EITC Support
EITC funds enable us to offer field trips, school programs, and professional development at no or low cost to Pennsylvania public school districts.
Strengthening Our Capacity for Global Freshwater Conservation and Restoration
Our remaining goal for the Future of Fresh Water Initiative is $11 million and an investment from you in our mission is deeply vital and appreciated!
Modeling Mayflies to Understand the Challenges of a Warming Planet
There are some questions too complicated for lab experiments to answer.
Meet Ryan Gambacorta, Facilities Apprentice
"I believe time is our most valuable asset and experiences are better than things — do lots of stuff with awesome people."
Recapping the 13th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Tickets sold out earlier than ever this year — here is a recap for those who were not able to attend, so you know to buy your tickets as soon
Stroud Center Collaborates on New Children’s STEM Picturebook
Do you like scavenger hunts? How can you tell if creek water is clean and healthy? Explore these questions and more in the pages of Creek Critters!
Space colonization by branching trachea explains the morphospace of a simple respiratory organ
Ruiz-Sobrino, A., C.A. Martín-Blanco, T. Navarro, I. Almudi, G. Masiero, M. Jimenez-Caballero, D.B. Buchwalter, D.H. Funk, J.L. Gattolliat, M.C. Lemos, F. Jiménez, and F. Casares. 2020. Developmental Biology 462(1): 50–59.
Evaluating water quality for Amazonian streams along the Interoceanic Highway in Peru using macroinvertebrates collected by hand and with leaf packs
Sweeney, B.W., J.M. Battle, D.H. Funk, R.W. Flowers, T. Gonzales Ojeda, A. Huamantinco, J.K. Jackson, and M. Arnold. 2020. Limnologica 81, 125759.
Eastern oyster clearance and respiration rates in response to acute and chronic exposure to suspended sediment loads
La Peyre, M.K., S. Bernasconi, R.Lavaud, S.M.Casas, and J.F. La Peyrec. 2020. Journal of Sea Research 157: Article 101831.
Mimicking Mother Nature to Protect Clean Water
Stroud Center scientists are pioneering a scientifically valid way to simulate rain to study the links between farming practices and healthy streams.
Stroud Center Establishes Girls-in-STEM Fund for Education Programs
The fund will support dedicated programming for an audience historically underserved in STEM and outdoor aquatic recreation: women and girls.
Years of Experience Make for a Seamless Transition
Kay Dixon retired after 18 years in the Development Department but folks can still find her in her former office for a little while longer.
Stroud Center Partner Wins Ag Leadership Award
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund is dedicated to helping local communities clean up and restore their polluted rivers and streams.
Meet David Kline, Watershed Education Specialist
David Kline is the newest full-time member of our education department. Learn what led him to the Stroud Center and what he hopes to accomplish here.
Phenological modeling of the parthenogenetic mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in White Clay Creek
Kolpas, A., D.H. Funk, J.K. Jackson, and B.W. Sweeney. 2019. Ecological Modeling 416, 108892
Widespread cryptic viral infections in lotic biofilms
Payne, A.T., A.J. Davidson, J. Kan, M. Peipoch, R. Bier, and K. Williamson. 2019. Biofilm 2, 100016.
Our Thanks to You
Since 1967, Stroud Water Research Center has focused on clean fresh water and we know that is only possible because of the support of friends like you.
Spatial heterogeneity in water velocity drives leaf litter dynamics in streams
Bastias, E., M. Bolivar, M. Ribot, M. Peipoch, S.S.A. Thomas, F. Sabater, and E. Martí. 2019. Freshwater Biology 65(3):435–445.
STREAM Girls Program Empowers Today’s Girls to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders
“It’s always fun to learn new things, but STREAM Girls was different because of how many new things we experienced that we never had before.”
Stroud Center to Be Featured in PBS Series
Visionaries, Inc., a non-profit documentary film production company, will feature Stroud Water Research Center in its 24th season on PBS.
Catching Up With Our Farm Partners
A couple of our cooperating landowners have been profiled recently by Lancaster Farming; take a few moments to learn how these partnerships are working for them.
Stories From the Streams: Salty Streams
How salty is too salty? Road salt keeps travelers safe in winter but can pose a serious threat to nearby streams. Episode 5 in the “Stories from the Streams” series
Thank You, First Resource Bank!
First Resource Bank President Glenn Marshall stopped by for a tour of the Stroud Center and to present a $2,500 EITC donation to our education program.
Get Recognized for Outstanding Support of Watershed Education!
Share your outstanding story of MWEE partnership(s) or classroom implementation and apply for one of two NEW annual awards.
Stroud, PECO, and Kennett Schools bring STEM to Students
Students were introduced to freshwater science and experienced some of the methods our scientists use to study streams and rivers around the world.
Niche partitioning of microbial communities in riverine floodplains
Peipoch, M., S.R. Miller, T.R. Antao, and H.M. Valett. 2019. Science Reports 9, 16384.
New Partnership to Strengthen Environmental Education in Lancaster County
Environmental education improves academic performance, increases civic engagement, and instills a belief that individuals can make a difference.
Meet Susan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick brings energy and enthusiasm, as well as years of experience providing support to administrators and executives, to the Stroud Center.
A Farmer Transforms a Stream
A Pennsylvania poultry and crops farmer shares his insights on creating rich habitat and cleaner water through riparian forested stream buffers.
Boots-in-the-Water STEM Programming Supported by Pennsylvania Tax Credits
Each year more than 3,000 K-12 public school students benefit from the generosity of businesses in the Education Improvement Tax Credit program.
Consumer Choices Can Combat Microplastic Pollution
The message from Sherri Mason, Ph.D., to those who attended the "Perils of Plastics" lecture was, "Reduce or eliminate your use of single-use plastic."
Stories From the Streams: Saving Soil, Saving Streams
Learn how farmers and scientists can work together to maintain the health of soil and streams. Episode 2 in the “Stories from the Streams” series from WHYY TV12.
Mechanisms of organic matter export in estuaries with contrasting carbon sources
Arellano, A. R., T. S. Bianchi, C. L. Osburn, E. J. D'Sa, N. D. Ward, D. Oviedo‐Vargas, I. D. Joshi et al. 2019. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences 124(10):3168–3188.
ScoutReach Day Camp Empowers Young Stewards for Stronger Communities
Nearly 70 male and female Cub Scouts ages 5-11 experienced hands-on, minds-on learning stations and Q&A sessions with real water science professionals.
New Funds Announced for Delaware River Restoration
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded more than $1.9 million to the Stroud Center for watershed restoration projects.
Why some mayfly adults are older and larger: photoperiodic induction of larval quiescence
Funk, D.H., B.W. Sweeney, and J.K. Jackson. 2019. Freshwater Science 38(4): 725–741.
Stroud Water Research Center Celebrates Chad Pregracke of Living Lands & Waters
Chad Pregracke was presented with the Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence in recognition of his dedication and determination to protect fresh water.
Online Atlas of Aquatic Insects Aids Water-Quality Monitoring
A new online field guide promises to be an important tool for monitoring water quality and learning how to correctly identify freshwater insects.
The Power of Citizen Science
Citizen science engages people from all backgrounds in the scientific process, empowering them to help solve environmental problems in their communities.
Stroud Center Takes Mayfly to Michigan
Stroud Center staff took a road trip to Michigan to train citizens and volunteers to use lower-cost, do-it-yourself technologies to monitor water quality.
Chess Champion Gives Gift to Fresh Water
The Stroud Center would like to introduce a young woman who took time out of her busy life to contribute to our mission.
Stories From the Streams: Fly, Teachers, Fly
Watch as a Philadelphia Eagle joins Axalta's All-Pro teachers for an education adventure in White Clay Creek! Episode 8 in the "Stories from the Streams" series.
Teaching Environmental Sustainability – Model My Watershed: curriculum and teacher guide
Kerlin, S., M. Daniels, C. Staudt, and N. Marcum-Dietrich. 2019. Projects at Concord Consortium’s website.
Trophic interactions among algal blooms, macroinvertebrates, and brown trout: implications for trout recovery in a restored river
Peipoch, M., and H.M. Valett. 2019. River Research and Applications 35(9): 1563–1574.
Direct non‐invasive 1H NMR analysis of stream water DOM: Insights into the effects of lyophilization compared to whole water
Whitty, S.D., D.C. Waggoner, R.M. Cory, L.A. Kaplan, and P.G. Hatcher. 2019. Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry, special issue.
Evaluating environmental change and behavioral decision-making for sustainability policy using an agent-based model: a case study for the Smoky Hill River Watershed, Kansas
Granco, G., J.L. Heier, J. Stamm, J.S. Bergtold, M.D. Daniels, et.al. 2019. Science of The Total Environment 695:133769.
Float and Flow in the Brandywine
To measure how fast algae grow while they are floating downstream, Stroud Center scientists floated, along with the algae, for an afternoon in canoes.
Mitigating the Effects of Extreme Rain Events
Fluvial Geomorphologist Melinda Daniels, Ph.D., was interviewed by NBC10 Philadelphia about how climate change is impacting flooding in our region and our research to combat it.
Visiting Scientist Goes with the Flow
Clara Mendoza-Lera's research will investigate the burden that heavy storms and flooding, worsened by climate change, place on stream ecosystem health.
Stroud Center Scientists Monitor Fish for National Park Service
Stroud Center has contracted with the National Capital Region Network to monitor fish populations at 37 sites, mainly in Maryland, for the next three years.
To the Fields We Go!
Stroud™ Water Research Center recently participated in field days to share our knowledge about farming for clean fresh water.
Discovery Camp Gives Middle Schoolers a New Appreciation for the Brandywine
From exploring streams for aquatic insects to performing a quick water-quality check, campers were introduced to a new layer of their watershed each day.
Stories From the Streams: Straight From the Source
Learn how scientists are using advanced tools to track down the source of potentially harmful contaminants. Episode 6 in the “Stories from the Streams” series from WHYY TV12.
Stroud Water Research Center Launches Its Future of Fresh Water Initiative
With the world’s need for clean fresh water more pressing than ever, we must increase our capacity to pursue that mission.
The 2019 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence
The 2019 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence will be presented to Chad Pregracke, founder of Living Lands & Waters.
Light exposure along particle flowpaths in large rivers
Gardner, J.R., S.H. Ensign, J.N. Houser, and M.W. Doyle. 2019. Limnology and Oceanography 65(1): 128–142.
Photodegradation disproportionately impacts biodegradation of semi‐labile DOM in streams
Bowen, J.C., L.A. Kaplan, and R.M. Cory. 2019. Limnology and Oceanography 65(1): 13–26.
Fifty Thousand Reasons Why the Watershed Restoration Program Is Six Years Strong
In the last six years, Stroud Water Research Center has planted nearly 50,000 trees for clean water and healthy streams.
The Independence School Students Learn Freshwater Science Through STEM Partnership
“Our students have learned not only how to make contributions to a global community of researchers but have been empowered by sharing their own data with the world."
Help Us Meet the $1 Million Challenge!
Meeting the challenge for the Bernard W. Sweeney, Ph.D., Executive Director’s Fund will ensure we retain global leadership in freshwater science.
Meet Our 2019 Summer Interns!
Our internship program, now in its 47th year, has ushered through hundreds of interns who have come in search of meaningful work.
Stroud Center Heads to Lancaster: Our Role in Lancaster Conservancy’s Water Week
Create habitat, protect water, and explore the outdoors: these are the principles and action steps that guide the Lancaster Conservancy’s Water Week.
Stories From the Streams: Techno Geeks
Citizen scientists are monitoring the health of local streams with the help of new technology. Episode 4 in the “Stories from the Streams” series from WHYY TV12.
Forest restoration on floodplains mantled with legacy sediments: removing sediments appears unnecessary for successful restoration
Sweeney, B.W., A. Dunbar, C.L. Dow, and M.D. Daniels. 2019. Restoration Ecology 27(6): 1220-1230.
Diversity and spatial distribution of chromophytic phytoplankton in the Bay of Bengal revealed by RuBisCO genes (rbcL)
Pujari, L., C. Wu, J. Kan, N. Li, X. Wang, X. Shang, M. Wang, C. Zhou, and J. Sun. 2019. Frontiers in Microbiology 10:Article 1501.
Tree Care is Essential for Successful Riparian Forest Buffers
Young seedlings face a variety of threats on floodplains that are also home to deer, rodents, invasive plants, and yes, flooding!
Sharing Our Science in Salt Lake City
Stroud Center scientists shared their work at the weeklong annual meeting of this premier international organization of aquatic scientists.
Denitrification and anammox: understanding nitrogen loss from Yangtze Estuary to the East China Sea
Wang, J., J. Kan, G. Qian, J. Chen, Z. Xia, X. Zhang, H. Liu, and J. Sun. 2019. Environmental Pollution 252(B):1659-1670.
Students Learn to Solve Water Resource Challenges
The new WATERS project will develop a student-centered curriculum for students of all abilities to learn water concepts and about water careers.
WikiWatershed® Wins Green Stormwater Infrastructure Award
The Excellence in GSI Award recognizes work in the Greater Philadelphia region celebrating a nature-based approach to stormwater management.
Creating Model Stewards by Modeling Watersheds
The true power of Model My Watershed is in the lasting lessons of action-based stewardship that follow students into the field.
A Wish Come True: Thousands More to Learn Freshwater Science, Stewardship in New Education Pavilion
The pavilion adds a fourth outdoor space, which will allow our educators to keep class sizes small even when there is a group as large as 120 students.
Stories From the Streams: Wonders of the Watershed
Nature has a perfect way of insuring that rainwater sustains the planet. Episode 7 in the “Stories from the Streams” series from WHYY TV12.
Return on environment: the economic value of protected open space in Chester County, Pennsylvania
Bass, O., J. Bowers, P. Brown, C. Dow, et al. 2019. Report to the Chester County Planning Commission, West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Putting a Dollar Value on the Benefits of Protected Open Space
Protecting open space raises property values, protects the environment, improves health, generates economic activity, and costs less in community services.
Essay: making the most of recent advances in freshwater mussel propagation and restoration
Strayer, D.L., J. Geist, W.R. Haag, J.K. Jackson, and J.D. Newbold. 2019. Conservation Science and Practice 1(7):e53.
Dissolved organic carbon concentrations in White Clay Creek, Pennsylvania, 1977-2017
Kaplan, L.A. 2019. Environmental Data Initiative.
Wading Into Citizen Science
Environmental Monitor profiled the environmental education program at The Hill School in the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area.
Occupied and abandoned structures from ecosystem engineering differentially facilitate stream community colonization
Tumolo, B.B., L.K. Albertson, W.F. Cross, M.D. Daniels, and L.S. Sklar, 2019. Ecosphere 10(5):e02734.
Stable isotope and conservative tracer data used to estimate uptake of stream water dissolved organic carbon (DOC) through a whole-stream addition of a 13C-DOC tracer coupled with laboratory measurements of bioavailability of the tracer and stream water DOC using lability profiling with bioreactors
Kaplan, L.A., J.D. Newbold, T.N. Wiegner, and M.H. Ostrom. 2019. Environmental Data Initiative.
Help Guide Support for Environmental Education in Pennsylvania
Attention, Pennsylvania Educators! You are invited to respond to the 2019 Status and Needs of Environmental Education in PA Survey.
Stroud Center Earns Charity Navigator’s Highest Rating
The Stroud Center’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it four stars from Charity Navigator.
Heterotrophic bacteria dominate the diazotrophic community in the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) during pre-southwest monsoon
Wu, C., J. Kan, H. Liu, L. Pujari, C. Guo, X. Wang, and J. Sun. 2019. Microbial Ecology 78(4): 804–819.
Building a more scientifically informed community in the Delaware River Basin
Bressler, D.W., J.K. Jackson, M.J. Ehrhart, and D.B. Arscott. 2019. Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics 9(1):24–27.
Former Intern Deirdre Flemming Is Farming Like a Scientist
“I feel like the farm is our living laboratory, and I look at farming like an entomologist. It’s an integrated system, and I’m never bored.”
A Digital Mayfly Swarm Is Emerging
Low-cost, open-source data collectors and a suite of collaborative online tools are making big leaps in the field of watershed monitoring.
Volunteers Plant 1,500 Trees for National Volunteer Week
The Stroud Center celebrated National Volunteer Week by planting six acres adjacent to a tributary of White Clay Creek at the Brandywine Polo Club.
Going to Extremes
The Stroud Center is engaged in research aimed at creating and testing new land-management practices to address issues raised by increased weather extremes.
Anaxipha hyalicetra sp. n. (Gryllidae, Trigonidiinae), a new sword-tailed cricket species from Arizona
Cole, J.A., and D.H. Funk. 2019. Journal of Orthoptera Research 28(1):3–9.
Low-cost, open-source, and low-power: but what to do with the data?
Horsburgh, J.S., J. Caraballo, M. Ramírez, A.K. Aufdenkampe, D.B. Arscott, and S.G. Damiano. 2019. Frontiers in Earth Science 7:67.
Understanding freshwater resource problems
Daniels, M., M. Caldas, J.H. Stamm, M. Sanderson, J. Bergtold, G. Granco, M. Mather, J. Alstrup, and D. Haukos. 2019. Open Access Government 2:320–321.
An Introduction to Tropical Stream Research
Stroud Center scientists introduced six board members to Maritza Biological Station and the importance of our water research in the tropics.
Algae That Is Beneficial … Until It Isn’t
When a stream’s normal ecosystem is disturbed, the growth of a normally beneficial species can explode and cause problems.
Most-Used Pesticides Pose Unknown Threat to Waterways, Subject of New Study
Approximately 95 percent of a neonicotinoid application washes into soil, streams, lakes, and elsewhere into the surrounding environment.
Stories From the Streams: Stream Fever
Discover why streams that are too warm endanger the habitats of mayflies and other life sustaining insects. Episode 3 in the “Stories from the Streams” series from WHYY TV12.
A digital mayfly swarm is emerging
Ensign, S., D. Arscott, S. Hicks, A. Aufdenkampe, T. Muenz, J. Jackson, and D. Bressler. 2019. Eos, 100.
Riparian and upland afforestation: improving success by excluding deer from small areas with low fencing
Sweeney, B.W., and C.L. Dow. 2019. Natural Areas Journal 39(1):90–107.
“Chalk Talk” About Our Boots-in-the-Water Education Partnership
Assistant Director of Education Tara Muenz was featured in the January 2019 edition of Chalk Talk, a weekly radio program on 1520AM WCHE.
12th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival Is in the Books!
From forest fires and plastic pollution to soil conservation and backpacking trips, the films highlighted problems as well as inspiring solutions.
Scouts Get Their Boots Wet for Science and Stewardship
Our badge program for Cub Scouts invites young minds to explore the scientific method and exercise their most powerful scientific tools: their senses.
Stories From the Streams: Back to Our Roots
Did you know that planting trees along a stream can filter out pollutants and dramatically improve water quality? Episode 1 in the "Stories From the Streams" video series.
Large-scale protection and restoration programs aimed at protecting stream ecosystem integrity: the role of science-based goal-setting, monitoring, and data management
Kroll, S.A., R.J. Horwitz, D.H. Keller, B.W. Sweeney, J.K. Jackson, and L.B. Perez. 2019. Freshwater Science 38(1): 23–29.
The Lay of the Land: Healthy Soil, Healthy Water (Full Length)
Watch this full-length version of the documentary showing how local farmers are growing better crops while protecting water quality.
Salting for Safety is Taking a Toll
In some areas, salt is necessary for safe winter driving and walking. But we have to decide how much is too much and what price we are paying for it.
Eco-friendly organic nanotubes encapsulating alkaline phosphatase and ecotoxicology of nanotubes to natural bacterial assemblages in coastal estuarine waters
Montgomery, M.T., G.E. Collins, T.J. Boyd, C.L. Osburn, D. Oviedo-Vargas, and Q. Lu. 2019. American Chemical Society Omega 4(1):2196–2205.
Students Explore Local History and Learn to Protect Fresh Water
Octorara High School students spent three days learning about their part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and how they can promote its health and integrity.
The Robin L. Vannote Watershed Restoration Program at Stroud Water Research Center
The Robin L. Vannote Watershed Restoration Program proudly recognizes the many years of Vannote’s dedicated service, research contributions, and support.
Stipends Available for Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators Conference
Application deadline has passed. Stroud Water Research Center is pleased to announce that 17 stipends are available for Pennsylvania practicing teachers and school administrators.
WHYY Airs Stories From the Streams
The series shows how scientists, educators, and private citizens are working every day to maintain the quality of the water that sustains 15 million people.
$1 Million Challenge Grant to Benefit the Bernard W. Sweeney, Ph.D., Executive Director’s Fund
Honoring Bern’s long career at the Stroud Center while ensuring the legacy of his dedication to global research, education, and watershed restoration.
The Lay of the Land: Healthy Soil, Healthy Water (Trailer)
Watch this three-minute trailer of the documentary showing how local farmers are growing better crops while protecting water quality.
Temperature affects acute mayfly responses to elevated salinity: implications for toxicity of road de-icing salts
Jackson, J.K., and D.H. Funk. 2018. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 374(1764).
Aquatic macroinvertebrate identification trainings for volunteers: results of a national materials and practices inventory survey
Louw, M., T. Muenz, J. Roberts, M. Wilson, and S. Kerlin. 2018. Technical report published through the Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science. Pittsburgh, PA USA. (CMU-HCII-18-104).
American Rivers Receives Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence
In 2018 alone, American Rivers removed 13 outdated dams, restored more than 400 miles of rivers, and protected more than 300 miles of wild rivers.
Science Never Retires
Tom Bott, Bern Sweeney, Lou Kaplan and Denis Newbold are using their retirement in order to continue to pursue their passions in freshwater science.
Stroud, PECO, and Kennett Schools Bring STEM to Students
The after-school program provided students with safe, structured, meaningful, and fun activities that promote learning and growth at no cost to the parents.
Sharing Our Science: From Data Analysts to Fly Fishermen
Charlie Dow talks about long-term datasets and Scott Ensign explains how fly fishermen can protect and restore the streams upon which their hobby depends.
Thanks From the Stroud Center
For more than 50 years, Stroud Water Research Center has focused on one thing – clean fresh water for all – and we know that is only possible because of
Bison and cattle grazing impacts on grassland stream morphology in the Flint Hills of Kansas
Grudzinski, B.P., and M.D. Daniels. 2018. Rangeland Ecology & Management 71(6):783–791.
The Lay of the Land: Healthy Soil, Healthy Water (7 Minutes)
Watch this seven-minute version of the documentary showing how local farmers are growing better crops while protecting water quality.
The Lay of the Land: Healthy Soil, Healthy Water (16 Minutes)
Watch this 16-minute version of the documentary showing how local farmers are growing better crops while protecting water quality.
Meet the Master Watershed Stewards Who Are Saving Streams
To help citizen scientists become better volunteer stream monitors, we've partnered with Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program.
New Entomologist Cuts Her Own Path
A year spent backpacking on the West Coast ignited a passion for fresh water in Maria Scarborough, the newest addition to our Entomology Group.
International Visitors Learn Water Resource Management
The Stroud Center presented strategies for assessing, monitoring, and conserving water resources to delegates from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
How We Celebrated Fall With Our Friends of Fresh Water
Recapping our Wine & Whiskey for Water celebration of our favorite fall indulgences and our healthy soil, healthy water film premiere.
Farm Stewardship Partner in Spotlight
Will and Kelly Smith share their experiences of conservation work done with the Stroud Center and the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.
“The Lay of the Land: Healthy Soil, Healthy Water” Film Premiere
The 26-minute documentary film, produced by Natural Light Films of Lancaster, tells how local farmers are growing better crops while protecting water quality.
Regeneration and utilization of nutrients during the collapse of red tide of ciliate Mesodinium rubrum: influence on phytoplankton species composition
Zhang, Y., X. Song, P. J. Harrison, S. Liu, Z. Yu, J. Kan, P. Qian, H. Liu, and K. Yin. 2018. Science China: Earth Sciences 61(10):1384–1396.
Field Notes From Our Work in Costa Rica
A team of five Stroud Center scientists worked under the rainbows of the Orosí Volcano in Costa Rica to survey a dozen streams.
The 2018 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence
The 2018 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence will be presented to American Rivers on its 45th Anniversary and its President and CEO, Wm. Robert Irvin.
“Caught” at Maritza: Tapir Enjoying the Rain
Rafa Morales Cueto, field station manager at Maritza Biological Station, filmed this tapir enjoying the rain while swimming in Río Tempisquito.
Meet Joseph George: New Fluvial Geomorphology Research Technician
He's excited to be working to further understanding of freshwater ecosystems and to improve these systems through research, education, and restoration.
Award-Winning Author to Speak on Wild and Scenic Rivers
Join acclaimed photographer and author Tim Palmer as he inspires the audience with his stories and photos in celebration of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Agricultural policy and practice in the Chesapeake and Delaware Watersheds
Ehrhart, M. and J. Jackson. 2018. Water Resources Impact 20(5):22-23.
Data and models help define effective strategies in the Delaware River Watershed Initiative
Freedman, P., D.B. Arscott, S. Haag, and K. Hall. 2018. Water Resources Impact 20(5):19-21.
Basinwide programs in the Chesapeake and Delaware: similar nature, distinct strategies
Freedman, P., M. Ehrhart, and K. Hall. 2018. Water Resources Impact 20(5):14–16.
Getting Slimed: Scientists Investigate Biofilms in Streams Amidst Climate Change
Slippery, shiny, and available in varying shades of green, slime is the latest research interest of two Stroud Water Research Center scientists.
Meet Mandy Nix: New Watershed Education Specialist
Her personal mission is to foster hands-on freshwater science education that teaches us about ourselves as well as our backyard water resources.
Good Fences Make Good Water
Cows wading in a stream might make a pretty picture but the reality is a lot less pleasant. Find out why in this 1-minute podcast featuring Jinjun Kan, Ph.D.
Training the Teachers of Today to Educate the Stewards of Tomorrow
The outdoors were the setting for a boots-in-the-water workshop to advance professional development for non-formal educators and classroom teachers alike.
Topographic variation in soil erosion and accumulation determined with meteoric 10Be
Marquard, J., R.E. Aalto, T.T. Barrows, B.A. Fisher, A.A. Aufdenkampe, and J.O. Stone. 2018. Earth Surfaces Processes and Landforms 44(1):98–111.
Seasonal trends in surface pCO2 and air‐sea CO2 fluxes in Apalachicola Bay, Florida, from VIIRS ocean color
Joshi, I. D., N.D. Ward, E.J. D’Sa, C.L. Osburn, T.S. Bianchi, and D. Oviedo‐Vargas. 2018. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences 123:2466–2484.
Sharing Our Science at Rodale Institute’s Field Day
Visitors learned the importance of integrating knowledge about farming practices and water quality and assessing the influence that farming decisions have on soils and streams.
Expedition Inspires Students to Act and Impact Local Watershed
The students expressed interest in the story water-quality testing told as they traveled down the river from the mines, through the farms, and into Philadelphia.
Meet Raven Bier: New Postdoctoral Associate
Through her work at the Stroud Center, Bier hopes to better understand how changes in farming practices on land affect the relationship between microbes and the processing of nutrients in
An interdisciplinary approach to water management
Caldas, M., M. Daniels, J. Bergtold, M. Sanderson, M. Mather, J.H. Stamm, D. Haukos, A. Sheshukov, and J. Aistrup. 2018. Scientia.
Axalta, the Philadelphia Eagles, and Stroud Water Research Center Celebrate All-Pro Teachers with a Day of STEM in the Stream
Teachers experienced STEM education in a real-world setting giving them the tools to cultivate the next generation of freshwater stewards.
The Restored Watershed: 50 Years of Solutions for Clean Fresh Water
For the last 50 years scientists at Stroud Water Research Center have demonstrated the connection between good land-use practices and clean fresh water, between healthy soil and healthy water.
Amazon Names the Stroud Center’s Model My Watershed a “City on a Cloud Innovation Challenge” Winner
The Stroud Center was one of three winners in the Partners in Innovation category, along with Utility Associates and University of Münster.
Meet Our 2018 Summer Interns!
The internship experience allows undergraduates to see if they have the passion and fortitude necessary to meet the challenges of a research career.
Teacher Stipends to Attend Dive Deeper Water Educators Summit
Application deadline has passed. 17 Pennsylvania K-12 teachers will receive a $300 stipend to attend the 2018 summit.
Storm events restructured bacterial community and their biogeochemical potentials
Kan, J. 2018. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences 123(7):2257–2269.
Denis Newbold Named SFS Fellow
Society for Freshwater Science Fellows are the leaders, at national and international levels, of their areas of freshwater science.
Get Your Freshwater Science Taxonomic Certification
Through the accurate and precise identification of these organisms, you will be better prepared to record taxonomic data for biomonitoring programs.
Diversity and distribution of anammox bacteria in water column and sediments of the Eastern Indian Ocean
Gang Q., J. Wanga, J. Kan, X. Zhanga, Z. Xiaa, X. Zhanga, Y. Miaoa, and J. Sun. 2018. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 133:52–62.
Car Enthusiasts Explore Chester County Watersheds in Support of Clean Fresh Water
The rain didn't stop the second annual Road Rally as drivers counted bodies of water and restoration sites while answering clues about the region's history.
Direct channel precipitation and storm characteristics influence short‐term fallout radionuclide assessment of sediment source
Karwan, D.L., J.E. Pizzuto, R. Aalto, J. Marquard, A. Harpold, K. Skalak, A. Benthem, D.F. Levia, C.M. Siegert, and A.K. Aufdenkampe. 2018. Water Resources Research, 54.
Life Lessons in Three Dimensions: Students, Stroud Center, Retired Teacher Collaborate
By creating these teaching tools for other students to learn about freshwater ecosystems, the students developed their own curiosity about their outdoor environment.
Research Reveals Caddisflies are Ecosystem Engineers
Hydropsychid caddisflies spin silk mesh nets that they use to filter feed. These nets are important ecosystem engineering structures in flowing waters.
Computer Science Students Get Their Boots Wet
As part of the Milton Hershey School’s Agriculture and Environmental Education pathway, the students are taking the computer science skills they learn in the classroom and applying them to real-world
Soil carbon redistribution and organo-mineral associations after lateral soil movement and mixing in a first-order forest watershed
Fisher, B.A., A.K. Aufdenkampe, K. Yoo, R. Aalto, and J. Marquard. 2018. Geoderma 319:142–155.
Scientists Monitor New Wetland Designed for Flood Control and Improved Stream Habitat
Because of flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation provided Stroud Water Research Center with a $3 million grant to reduce flooding across the 1,800-acre White
Bison and cattle grazing impacts on baseflow suspended sediment concentrations within grassland streams
Grudzinski, B., C.M. Ruffing, M.D. Daniels, and M. Rawitch. 2018. Annals of the American Association of Geographers.
A Helicopter, Sun, and an Overall Great Day on the Green
Stroud Water Research Center’s third annual golf outing was a huge success! Sunday’s downpour led to a delayed start for the course to dry out, but 96 golfers enjoyed a
Soil Health Management: Changing Conversations, Revolutionizing Agriculture
Soil health management recognizes that the soil is a diverse, dynamic ecosystem that, under proper management, will support healthy crops with fewer inputs.
Learning Leading to Action: Young Heroes Protecting Our Waterways
Students are not only learning how to protect our waterways; they are also conducting their own scientific research or restoring healthy streams — or sometimes both.
Model My Watershed Featured in STEM for All Video Showcase
The video presentation highlights the Teaching Environmental Sustainability - Model My Watershed project to promote watershed stewardship, geospatial literacy, and systems thinking.
WikiWatershed Makes the List of Top 20 Civic Tech Websites for Urban Planners
WikiWatershed web tools offer rapid visualization of watershed data, advanced geospatial analysis capabilities, and science-based predictions of human impacts on stormwater runoff and water quality.
Joining Forces With Farmers to Protect Clean Water
The Stroud Center and its Delaware River Watershed Initiative partners are helping farmers implement agricultural best management practices to protect clean water.
Education Partnership Named as a Success Story
The Stroud Center’s partnership with the Watershed Education Training Institute (WETi) at Millersville University allows WETi to offer high-quality watershed curricula and instruction.
Tips for Cover Cropping Success
The Stroud Center sponsors a series of cover cropping articles written by Steve Groff, a cover crop researcher and owner of Cover Crop Coaching.
Meet Scott Ensign, New Assistant Director
Ensign comes to the Stroud Center at a unique point in its history. “Many of the legendary scientists who made the Stroud Center famous are retired, and the next generation
Secretive Mink Caught on Video in White Clay Creek
This was an unusual sighting because American mink are most active at night and in the early morning hours. It's also a good sign for White Clay Creek.
We Planted Trees (1,975 of Them!) for Clean Water
Every tree we plant helps prevent pollutants from entering our water supplies and provides lasting benefits of shade, beauty and the natural habitat essential to a healthy ecosystem.
Volunteers Plant Nearly 1,000 Trees for National Volunteer Week
Stroud Water Research Center restored 2.75 acres along two swales that transport rain water into a major tributary of the Brandywine River, which eventually flows downstream to provide drinking water for
#MysteryMacro Quiz Answers
Spoiler alert! These are the ANSWERS for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Facebook #MysteryMacro questions featuring photos by Stroud Center entomologist Dave Funk.
Test Your Skills With the #MysteryMacro Quiz
Want a fun way to learn about freshwater macroinvertebrates? Check out the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission #MysteryMacro quiz featuring photos by Dave Funk.
Protecting Water Through Collaboration, Science, and Conservation
The Stroud Center is excited to share great news about our work to protect clean water as part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative. We are proud to be one
“Muddy Boots Fund” Created to Benefit Boy Scouts and Stroud Center
As a result of a generous gift from brothers Greg, Barry, Keith, and Ray Bentley, the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America and the Stroud Center are expanding their
The good, the bad and the lethal: gene expression and metabolomics reveal physiological mechanisms underlying chronic thermal effects in mayfly larvae (Neocloeon triangulifer)
Chou, H., W. Pathmasiri, J. Deese-Spruill, S.J. Sumner, D. Jima, D. Funk, J. Jackson, B. Sweeney, and D. Buchwalter. 2018. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 6:27.
Stroud Science on NPR: Road Salt Boosts Safety But Threatens Fresh Water
When StateImpact Pennsylvania wanted to understand how our addiction to road salt is impacting the environment, they came to Stroud Water Research Center.
Meet Marc Peipoch, New Principal Investigator
Peipoch's goal is to lead a productive, inclusive, and interdisciplinary research team: “In its very nature, the discipline of ecosystem ecology is a nexus for multiple perspectives and areas of
Triple Your Donation with AmazonSmile
Support the Stroud Center at no cost to you! Amazon is tripling the donation amount to 1.5% when customers make their first eligible smile.amazon.com purchase from March 12–31.
Education Programs Get a Boost From BB&T
BB&T's continued support has helped us teach thousands of public school students in grades 4 and up about the importance of freshwater stewardship.
Would You Drink the Water?
Stroud Water Research Center collaborated with senior students in the horticulture program at the Williamson College of the Trades on their 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit entitled “Would You Drink
And the Winner Is …
In fall 2017, the Stroud Center’s Education Department sponsored a design contest to develop an activity patch for use in its scout and other youth programs. The public was invited
Stroud Center Presents at Riparian Forest Buffer Summit
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources organized the 2018 Riparian Forest Buffer Summit to provide conservation practitioners and decision makers with information and skills that they can use in
Rodale Institute, Stroud Water Research Center, Announce Innovative Partnership to Curb Ag Runoff Across 4 States
Supported with a nearly $6 million grant from the William Penn Foundation, the partners begin a new 6-year project to connect farming to cleaner drinking water in the Delaware River
“We’ve All Got to Be Good Neighbors”
Barclay Hoopes’ family has been farming in Landenberg, Pennsylvania, since 1854. He knows how he treats his land affects thousands of people downstream — it sits at the headwaters of White
Our Watershed
Marcum-Dietrich, N., S. Kerlin, C. Staudt, and M. Daniels. 2018. The Science Teacher 85(2):39–48.
Sharing 21st Century Tools With Educators
Two professional development workshops highlighted resources to engage students in learning about watersheds, stream health, and water quality.
Impacts of stream riparian buffer land use on water temperature and food availability for fish
Albertson, L.K., V. Ouellet, and M.D. Daniels. 2018. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 33(1):195–210.
Particulate organic matter (POM) composition in stream runoff following large storms: role of POM sources, particle size, and event characteristics
Johnson, E.R., S. Inamdar, J. Kan, and R. Vargas. 2018. Journal of Geophysical Research 123(2):660–675.
Impacts of hydrous manganese oxide on the retention and lability of dissolved organic matter
Stuckey, J.W., C. Goodwin, J. Wang, L.A. Kaplan, P. Vidal-Esquivel, T.P. Beebe Jr., and D.L. Sparks. 2018. Geochemical Transactions 19:6.
Oviposition behavior and host records for the parasitic midge Trichochilus lacteipennis (Johannsen) (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae)
Funk, D.H., S. Roberts, and A. Graham. 2018. CHIRONOMUS Journal of Chironomidae Research 31.
Explore “Wonders of Water” With Us at Philly Flower Show
Visit two exhibits featuring our research, education, and watershed restoration or hear us speak at the Water Summit!
Projected climate change impacts on hydrologic flow regimes in the Great Plains of Kansas
Chatterjee, S., M.D. Daniels, A.Y. Sheshukov, and J. Gao. 2018. River Research and Applications 34(3):195–206.
Why adult mayflies of Cloeon dipterum (Ephemeroptera:Baetidae) become smaller as temperature warms
Sweeney, B.W., D.H. Funk, A.A. Camp, D.B. Buchwalter, and J.K. Jackson. 2018. Freshwater Science 37(1):64–81.
Get Your Boots Wet With Our Education Training Events
Stroud Water Research Center is pleased to announce the expansion of watershed education professional development and training events.
EnviroDIY Sensors Track Road Salt Levels in Streams
During thaws and rain events, road salt is carried into streams where it can have chronic and sometimes acute effects on biological communities.
Stroud Center Educators Visit the Lamotte Company
Our educators visited the Lamotte Company recently to discuss our product line and our partnership. Lamotte sells a few of our education products including the Leaf Pack Experiment Stream Ecology
Berries and Nuts: a Different Approach to Riparian Buffers
Planting trees and shrubs on streamside crop land improves water quality. What if you could plant a buffer that would protect a stream and yield a crop?
Nature’s Engineers: Beavers Provide Benefits to Streams
“Before European colonization, beavers would have been ubiquitous across the northern United States Great Lakes region,” explains Melinda Daniels, Associate Research Scientist and Principal Investigator of the Fluvial Geomorphology Group.
Have You Used Our WikiWatershed Toolkit?
Stroud Water Research Center’s WikiWatershed initiative is a web toolkit designed to help citizens, conservation practitioners, municipal decision-makers, researchers, educators, and students advance knowledge and stewardship of fresh water. The toolkit
Educators Go “Virtual” After Hurricane Cancels Conference
Hurricane Maria forced the North American Association of Environmental Education to cancel its annual conference. After reaching out to support their Puerto Rican partners, they then organized a "virtual conference"
DNB First Renews Its EITC Support
DNB First’s support will allow the Stroud Center to make its school programs, field trips, and professional development workshops available at no or reduced cost to public school districts whose budgets might not
Meridian Bank Contributes Funds for Educational Programs
Stroud Water Research Center gratefully acknowledges Meridian Bank’s recent gift through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) program. The EITC program enables the Stroud Center to provide innovative programs at
Microbial Population Dynamics of Periphyton Biofilms in White Clay Creek
Stroud Center scientists deployed glass slides into three reaches of White Clay Creek with distinct streamside land uses: mature forest, restored but immature forest, and meadow from upstream to downstream.
Large Runoff Flux and Transformation of Particulate Nitrogen (PN) Following Large, Intense Storms: A Critical but Unexplored Component of N Cycling in Watersheds
The goal of this project is to produce a comprehensive model for PN fate and transport in watersheds, especially in agroecosystems subject to climate variability.
Our Pursuit of Clean Fresh Water Never Stops
“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will keep Stroud Center researchers from the swift completion of their appointed stream sampling.”
New Chocolate Bar Funds Water Charity
Éclat Chocolate, whose chocolates were named best in America by Bon Appétit, has released a new chocolate bar to support Stroud Water Research Center.
Start Your Holiday Shopping With a Smile!
Don’t forget to use Amazon Smile this holiday season! It offers the same great selection as Amazon with a portion of each purchase to benefit the Stroud Center.
Cheese Proceeds to Fund Clean Water
Cheese lovers have a new reason to celebrate this holiday season: The Farm at Doe Run has a new cheese that supports clean fresh water around the world.
231 Combined Years of Teaching Experience!
Our educators have developed extensive resources for educating adults and students about watersheds and their importance. Register for spring programs now!
Meet the Farmers: Bud and Marilyn Miller
Bud and Marilyn Miller see their newly planted streamside forest as a valuable investment for future generations.
Land Use Effects on Stream Thermal Regime
In this project, we measure stream temperatures throughout a series of small watersheds with land use ranging from very urbanized to completely forested to develop a predictive model of stream
Integrated Data Management System for Critical Zone Observatories
The objective of the project is to develop a comprehensive, integrated data management system for the Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) program, called CZOData.
Installation and Maintenance Services for Two Wireless Stream Monitoring Stations Measuring Conductivity, Temperature, Depth, and Turbidity for London Grove Township, Pa.
Staff installed and maintained two real-time stations for monitoring water quality in a tributary of the East Branch of White Clay Creek to measure stream water level, temperature, specific conductivity,
Global Impact: Preserving and Conserving Fresh Water Around the World
Our scientists are advancing knowledge of freshwater systems on five continents and our educators are using the Leaf Pack Network® materials to teach freshwater stewardship throughout North, Central and South
Fish of the Río Rincón, Costa Rica
Researchers from the Stroud Center visited the Río Rincón on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica to scope out potential sites for an upcoming survey of the physical, chemical, and
Wildlife Camera: Costa Rican Tapir
A wildlife camera recorded footage of a tapir walking near Maritza Biological Station in Costa Rica.
Tapir Visits the Maritza Biological Station
A rare daytime sighting of a tapir near Maritza Biological Station in Costa Rica.
Spider Monkeys at the Maritza Biological Station
Another video shot by Rafa Morales, station manager at the Maritza Biological Station in Costa Rica. This adult spider monkey is feeding on buds in the treetops while its baby
Internships
Throughout its more than 50 year history, Stroud™ Water Research Center has provided a unique opportunity for hundreds of university students to work alongside freshwater scientists and educators. In the
Grateful for Our First 50 Years
As we wind down our 50th anniversary year, and make plans for the next 50, we wanted to share our gratitude with you.
Meet Our New Scientist: Diana Oviedo-Vargas
Diana Oviedo-Vargas, Ph.D., grew up in a rural town in Costa Rica and was drawn to the Stroud Center because of its long-term research in Costa Rica.
50 & Fabulous: Throwing It Back to 1967
The Stroud Center celebrated fifty years of freshwater research, education, and restoration while highlighting the Beatles, the Mod era, and groovy attire!
Do You Know What a Leaf Pack Is?
Since the 1970s, Stroud™ Water Research Center scientists have used leaf packs to better understand stream ecosystems from Pennsylvania to Peru and beyond.
Funds for Improved Farming Practices to Help the Chesapeake Bay
Stroud™ Water Research Center’s Watershed Restoration Group was awarded $750,000 to install best management practices on 24 farms.
USDA Programs Put Stroud Center Science on the Ground
With the help of the USDA, a growing number of farmers are choosing to plant streamside forests to protect water quality for their downstream neighbors.
Stroud Center Attracts International Stars to Celebrate Freshwater Causes
The Water’s Edge has honored some of the world’s most renowned environmentalists and water experts at an evening celebrating the importance of freshwater research, education, conservation and watershed restoration.
Model My Watershed in the Spotlight
The Stroud Center's Model My Watershed web app has again been recommended by the CADRE network for STEM education researchers.
Teaching Environmental Sustainability with Model My Watershed
The TES-MMW curriculum gives students the ability to use data to understand how human actions impact watershed health.
Watershed Expedition Featured on Xploration Awesome Planet
Stroud Center educators were featured in a segment about the Schuylkill Acts & Impacts watershed expedition on the syndicated earth science series.
Rittenhouse Builders Partners with the Stroud Center to Renovate Outdoor Isotope Lab
The Stroud Center announces a generous gift-in-kind partnership from Rittenhouse Builders to provide vital renovations of the outdoor isotope laboratory.
PA Task Force to Boost Environmental Education, Stewardship
Chesapeake Bay cleanup and Pennsylvania watersheds aided by NOAA-funded task force to increase environmental literacy.
Volunteers Plant 1,000 Trees in Coatesville
The Stroud Center and the Brandywine Conservancy hosted a tree planting on a farm that was once the northern base of the historic King Ranch of Texas.
Lancaster Farming Highlights Farmer’s Efforts to Help Environment
The Stoltzfus farm is a great example of how the Stroud Center can help landowners tap a range of public and private funds to help them afford projects.
Berks Farmers Connect With Land, Water, and Customers
Willow Run Farm has a sustainable philosophy that includes grass-fed cattle, free-range chickens, and restoring a stream with the help of the Stroud Center.
Remembering Bill Anderson
Anderson was a retired high school advanced-biology teacher, a Stroud Center adjunct research associate, and an environmental educator in our Stream School.
Stroud Water Research Center: The First Fifty Years
Anniversary book celebrating 50 years of the Stroud Center's history. Published by Stroud Water Research Center.
Thank You, 2017 Summer Interns!
The 45th summer of our internship program has come and gone but we didn’t want to miss the chance to say thanks to our interns for their hard work.
Axalta and Stroud Water Research Center Host a Day of Education for Budding STEM Scholars
Axalta Coating Systems partnered with the Stroud Center to host students from Young Men and Women in Charge for a day focused on freshwater conservation.
Prince of Monaco: “Water Should Bring Us Together.”
Prince Albert II of Monaco accepted the Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence as the Stroud Center celebrated 50 years of advancing knowledge and stewardship of fresh water.
Stroud Water Research Center: The First Fifty Years
Celebrate 50 years of Stroud Water Research Center history with our new anniversary book, available for download or as a hard copy at one of our events.
Tour Highlights How Farm Practices Can Protect Drinking Water
Stroud™ Water Research Center’s Executive Director, David Arscott, Ph.D., recently spoke with members of the Christina River Basin Task Force on a tour of Hoopes’ farm.
Mayfly Eggs Hatching a Minute After Being Laid
This ovoviviparous mayfly holds her eggs internally until embryonic development is complete after which she lays them in water and they hatch immediately.
How to Sample for Dissolved Oxygen
A great video from Georgia Adopt-a-Stream showing how volunteers can sample for dissolved oxygen in streams.
Water Science Careers: Entomology Researcher
John Jackson, Ph.D., talks about his work as principal investigator in the Entomology Group at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Education Director
Steve Kerlin, Ph.D., describes his work as Education Director at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Citizen Science Project Facilitator
David Bressler describes his work as a citizen science facilitator at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Watershed Management
Dave Montgomery talks about his work as watershed manager at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Information Services
Charles Dow, Ph.D., talks about his work as Director of Information Services at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Field Instruction
William “Bill” Anderson describes his work as an environmental educator at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Fluvial Geomorphology
Melinda Daniels, Ph.D., describes her work as a fluvial geomorphologist at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Systems Administration and Education
Libby Gregg describes her works as computer systems administrator and environmental educator at Stroud Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Fisheries and Microbiology
Laura Borecki Zgleszewski describes her work in the Fish Ecology and Microbiology groups at Stroud™ Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Administration and Research
David Arscott, Ph.D., describes his education, research, and work at Stroud™ Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Watershed Biogeochemistry
Michael Gentile describes his work as a biogeochemistry research technician at Stroud™ Water Research Center.
Water Science Careers: Aquatic Entomology
Kelly McIntyre describes her work as an aquatic entomology research technician at Stroud™ Water Research Center.
Rally for Fresh Water Recap in County Lines Magazine
Thanks to our friends at County Lines Magazine for the great recap of our first Rally for Fresh Water! Keep tuned to our events page for details about our 2018 Rally for
Prince Albert to Receive Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to receive Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence on September 17 at Winterthur as the Stroud Center celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Riparian and geomorphic controls on thermal habitat dynamics of pools in a temperate headwater stream
Ouellet, V., E.E. Gibson, M.D. Daniels, and N.A. Watson. 2017. Ecohydrology 10:e1891.
Monitoring the Health of the Susquehanna
Stroud™ Water Research Center’s annual sampling of the Susquehanna River near Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, was chronicled in an article in an area newspaper. Stroud Center studies have shown that the health
Microbial Fuel Cells
Stroud™ Water Research Center is exploring the possibility of generating clean and renewable energy by using microorganisms.
Mystery Midge with “Kite Tail” Eggs
Stroud Center entomologist David Funk documented the unusual behavior of an orthoclad midge species at Lake Umbagog on the Maine/New Hampshire border: Adult females fly over the lake and extrude
Streamside Forest Buffers Preserving Water Quality
Research has shown that streamside forests minimize pollutants reaching the water and help streams cleanse themselves of pollutants that do reach the water.
Caddisflies
Learn about the ecosystem benefits of net-spinning caddisflies, as well as how they interact with their environment.
Fish Electroshocking to Determine Stream Health
Have you ever wondered what swims by your feet in your local creek? In this month’s episode of Science Education Feature, Dr. Valerie Ouellet uses electroshocking to identify the creatures
Feeding Baby Brook Trout
Wild trout need cold, clean fresh water, which you would find in a shaded stream, a stream that has many trees growing right by it.
Snake Eating Fish
Stroud Center scientists are often outside working in and around streams, and sometimes just happen to catch a view of the coolest things!
Stroud Center: Building on the Past, Looking to the Future
Stroud™ Water Research Center is working today to ensure water quality and availability tomorrow.
Global Impact: Preserving and Conserving Fresh Water Around the World
Stroud™ Water Research Center scientists and educators are advancing knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems on five continents.
Watershed Restoration: Linking Research, Education and Action
We engage the public in watershed restoration by helping landowners implement best management practices and plant streamside forest buffers.
Environmental Education: Hands-On, Boots in the Water Learning
We develop environmental education programs for indoor, outdoor, and digital classrooms, reaching thousands of adults and children each year.
Freshwater Science: Discovering What Keeps Streams and Rivers Healthy
By discovering what makes the world’s streams and rivers healthy, Stroud™ Water Research Center is ensuring we can all enjoy clean, fresh water.
We Believe the Future of Fresh Water Starts Here
We believe in an independent voice, in adventure, inspiration, perseverance and integrity. At the Stroud Center, we believe the future of water starts here.
Drivers Rally for Fresh Water
Car enthusiasts supported clean water on an 80-mile scenic journey in Chester and Lancaster counties.
Arscott Takes Reins as Stroud Center’s Executive Director
Stroud Center promotes Dave Arscott to executive director and Bern Sweeney to distinguished research scientist.
Status and needs of environmental education related organizations in Wisconsin: results from the 2015-2016 state-wide survey
Hougham, J., S. Kerlin, K. Liddicoat, K. Ellis, and E. Crampe. 2017. A technical report from University of Wisconsin-Extension,Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education, and the 2015
Science Education Feature: Caddisflies
Learn about the ecosystem benefits of net-spinning caddisflies, as well as how they interact with their environment, from Ben Tumolo, a visiting Ph.D. candidate from Montana State University. Caddisflies are
Water SCIENCE Wins Award in Video Showcase
The Water SCIENCE curriculum has middle school students complete hands-on science and engineering activities, receive guidance and instruction from undergraduate and graduate student mentors, interact online with STEM professionals, and
Water Quality Mobile App
The Stroud Center’s Water Quality mobile app is a water-monitoring data-collection and learning tool designed for use by educators and their students, citizen scientists, and researchers. The app helps users
Clean by Design
38 Master of Landscape Architecture students from the University of Pennsylvania visited Stroud Water Research Center to learn about protecting clean fresh water through land use and best management practices.
“Dine and Donate” a Success!
Sovana Bistro’s “Dine and Donate” night to benefit the Stroud Center was a huge success! On Sunday, April 23, diners raised $1,012 to benefit our freshwater research, environmental education, and
Meet Jennifer Totora, Stroud’s New Education Specialist
Totora brings more than 15 years of combined environmental education and field work experience. A self-proclaimed “STEMinist,” she has a passion for sharing the wonders of the natural world with
Students Take to the Woods to Monitor Streamside Forests
This spring, more than 130 students helped Stroud Center educators and watershed restoration staff monitor streamside forests in the Middle-Schuylkill and Brandywine-Christina watersheds.
Arscott Takes Reins as Executive Director
After decades of exceptional leadership, Bern Sweeney, Ph.D., is ready to focus on his primary passion at the Stroud Center, research, and continue to help with outreach and fundraising activities.
Arsenic (V) bioconcentration kinetics in freshwater macroinvertebrates and periphyton is influenced by pH
Lopez, A.R., D.H. Funk, and D.B. Buchwalter. 2017. Environmental Pollution 224:82–88.
Award-Winning Web Toolkit Helps Protect Fresh Water
The WikiWatershed toolkit was awarded the 2017 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Physiological responses to short-term thermal stress in mayfly (Neocloeon triangulifer) larvae in relation to upper thermal limits
Kim, K.S., H. Chou, D.H. Funk, J.K. Jackson, B.W. Sweeney, and D.B. Buchwalter. 2017. Journal of Experimental Biology 220:2598–2605.
Education Programs Reach New and Bigger Audiences
Our goal is to engage about 10,000 children and adults in our programs on a yearly basis by 2020 and sustain that number into the future.
Through a Scientist’s Lens: Training Citizens in Freshwater Stewardship
Stroud Water Research Center is working with Delaware River Watershed Initiative partner organizations to grow their network of volunteers and enhance the quality and quantity of the data they collect.
Your Livable Landscape: Cultivating an Ecosystem Esthetic
An educational project showing how a shift to an ecosystem esthetic can reduce the carbon footprint of a landowner's landscape while its maintaining beauty.
Volunteers Plant 1,140 Trees for National Volunteer Week
The Stroud Center celebrated National Volunteer Week with help from Exelon Generation, BB&T, Cheshire Hunt Conservancy, Colonial Pipeline, Dansko, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, and local community members.
Eagle Scout Honored for Design of Outdoor Education Kiosk
Payton Shonk was honored for his Eagle Scout project, an education kiosk, at the Stroud Center's dedication of a new outdoor classroom.
Mystery Midge with “Kite Tail” Eggs
Stroud Center entomologist David Funk documented the unusual behavior of an orthoclad midge species at Lake Umbagog on the Maine/New Hampshire border: Adult females fly over the lake and extrude
Q & A: Rewarding Private Behavior to Enhance the Commons
Stroud Center president Bern Sweeney, Ph.D., and Jamie Blaine published an op-ed piece in the September 2016 issue of Freshwater Science proposing a new system to reward private behavior to
Partnership in Cover Crop Research Bears Fruit
Cover cropping coach, Steve Groff, explains in Lancaster Farming how a project at Meadow Springs Farm is a rare opportunity for Stroud Water Research Center scientists to closely observe and
Education Staff Lead Presentations and Winning Canoe at NAAEE Conference
Stroud Center education staff continued their international impact at the recent North American Association for Environmental Education conference.
David Bressler Connects Citizens to Science
"I think science can be a little intimidating," Bressler says. "Through citizen science, I hope we can make environmental science more accessible."
DNA Tool Helps Scientists Identify Bacteria in Streams
Stroud Center scientists are using DNA to identify the likely sources of fecal bacteria in streams, a potential human health risk.
Archaea dominate the ammonia-oxidizing community in deep-sea sediments of the Eastern Indian Ocean – from the Equator to the Bay of Bengal
Wang, J., J. Kan, X. Zhang, Z. Xia, X. Zhang, G. Qian, Y. Miao, X. Leng, and J. Sun. 2017. Frontiers in Microbiology 8:415.
Influence of experimental extreme water pulses on greenhouse gas emissions from soils
Petrakis, S., A. Seyfferth, J. Kan, S. Inamdar, and R. Vargas. 2017. Biogeochemistry 133(2):147–164.
Colonization and diversification of aquatic insects on three Macronesian archipelagos using 59 nuclear loci derived from a draft genome
Rutschmann, S., H. Detering, S. Simon, D.H. Funk, J-L. Gattolliat, S.J. Hughes, P.M. Raposeiro, R. DeSalle, M. Sartori, M.T. Monaghan. 2017. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 107:27–38.
Macroinvertebrates of rivers and creeks along the interoceanic highway, Cusco and Puerto Maldonado, Perú
Sweeney, B. W., D.H. Funk, R. W. Flowers, T. Gonzales, and A. Huamantinco. 2017. Museum Guide No. 843, The Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois.
Conservation Reserve Program mitigates grassland loss in the lesser prairie-chicken range of Kansas
Spencer, D., D. Haukos, C. Hage, M. Daniels, and D. Goodin. 2017. Global Ecology and Conservation 9:21–38.
Dissimilatory microbial iron reduction release DOC (dissolved organic carbon) from carbon-ferrihydrite association
Pan, W., J. Kan, S. Inamdar, C. Chen, and D. Sparks. 2016. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 103:232–240.
New Major Gifts Director Joins the Stroud Center
David Reinfeld brings with him more than 15 years of arts, culture, and social service fundraising in the nonprofit sector.
Stroud Water Research Center Celebrates National Park Service’s Commitment to Fresh Water
Stroud Water Research Center honored the National Park Service and its director Jonathan Jarvis at the Water’s Edge gala at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
From Stream to Tap: Keeping Fresh Water Clean and Safe
Water treatment facilities have procedures in place to make water safe for drinking. But the dirtier the water, the greater the cost to treat it.
Expanded Professional Development Programs for Educators
We’re expanding our professional development programs for educators to include the WikiWatershed webinar series, more workshops at the Stroud Center, and an emerging partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Children’s use of iPads in outdoor environmental education programs
Kacoroski, J., K. Liddicoat, and S. Kerlin. 2016. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 15(4):301–311.
Celebrating National Park Service’s Commitment to Fresh Water
Director Jarvis reflected upon the NPS's focus on the future as it enters its second century stewarding our country’s natural and historic resources.
Could Rising Temps Be Killing Mayflies, Threatening Streams? Scientists Investigate.
When mayfly populations decline, it's a warning that something has gone wrong. But what? Stroud Center scientists and their colleagues are investigating.
Stroud Center Welcomes New Board Members
The staff and board of directors of Stroud Water Research Center are pleased to welcome Robert DiFilippo, Holly Michael, Josh Auld, and Michael Bucklin.
How to Choose Mobile Digital Technologies to Enhance Environmental Education
Whether you are a teacher, parent, or citizen scientist, here are a few ideas worth considering to make the most of mobile digital technology for environmental education.
Variation of organic matter quantity and quality in streams at Critical Zone Observatory watersheds
Miller, M.P., E.W. Boyer, D.M. McKnight, M.G. Brown, R.S. Gabor, C.T. Hunsaker, L. Iavorivska, S. Inamdar, D.W. Johnson, L.A. Kaplan, H. Lin, W.H. McDowell, and J.N. Perdrial. 2016. Water Resources
Fostering Community Partnerships Through STEM Education
Students from Serviam Girls Academy spent a day learning about water-quality indicators as part of the Stroud Center’s award-winning stream ecology program.
Science Seminar Series at the Union League of Philadelphia
John Jackson, Ph.D., Senior Entomology Scientist, and Matt Ehrhart, Director of Watershed Restoration, will discuss the Stroud Center’s work throughout the Delaware River Basin, including our role in the Delaware
To unplug or plug in: adopting the right mobile digital technologies to enhance environmental education
Hougham, J., and S. Kerlin. 2016. Green Teacher 111:3–6.
Science and Beer at the Beach Was a Success!
Despite the gorgeous weather at the beach, a great turnout showed up at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery on Saturday, August 20 to learn about the Stroud Center's work throughout the
C-SAW Offers Free Assistance for Cleaner Water Resources
Conservation orgs may receive free technical assistance from the Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds through a Growing Greener grant.
Fish Electroshocking to Determine Stream Health
Have you ever wondered what swims by your feet in your local creek? In this month’s episode of Science Education Monthly Feature, Dr. Valerie Ouellet uses electroshocking to identify the
How Sparta Middle School Is Working to Restore Nash Creek
Two Michigan schools used our Leaf Pack Experiment to assess their local stream’s health. They discovered what was impacting their stream and then developed a plan to restore it with
Long-Term Research Shows Improvement in Susquehanna River
Stroud Center entomologists have been sampling macroinvertebrates in the Susquehanna River near Procter & Gamble’s Mehoopany plant since 1974. The number of insect species collected has doubled over that time
Senator Gets First-Hand Look at Conservation Practices
Riparian buffers, cover crops, even rain gutters on the barn can make a big difference to water quality. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. saw all this and more on a
Meet the Forester Who’s Leading People to Clean Fresh Water
Ecological information specialist Rich Shockey is one of our most effective partners helping to spread the word about how streamside forests protect and restore streams and rivers.
Students Experience Field-Based Learning at the Stroud Center’s New Outdoor Classroom
There's just something about going outside. It's fun. It lowers stress. It helps students focus. And it's a great way to learn about freshwater science.
Beryllium-7 wet deposition variation with storm height, synoptic classification, and tree canopy state in the mid-Atlantic USA
Karwan, D. L., C. M. Siegert, D. F. Levia, J. Pizzuto, J. Marquard, R. Aalto, and A. K. Aufdenkampe. 2016. Hydrological Processes 30(1):75–89.
Dissolved organic matter in stream ecosystems: forms, functions, and fluxes of watershed tea
Kaplan, L.A., and R. Cory. 2016. Pages 241–320 in J.B. Jones and E.H. Stanley (editors). Stream Ecosystems in a Changing Environment. Academic Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis to Receive SAFE Award
On the centennial anniversary of one of America’s greatest treasures, the SAFE Water Award will be presented to the National Park Service and its director, Jonathan Jarvis.
Volunteers to Monitor Threats to Water for 15 Million People
Stroud Center Receives $2.5 Million Grant to Boost Citizen-Science Water-Quality Monitoring in Delaware River Basin.
Nutrient spiraling and transport in streams: the importance of in-stream biological processes to nutrient dynamics in streams
Webster, J.R., J.D. Newbold, and L. Lin. 2016. Pages 179–237 in J.B. Jones and E.H. Stanley, (editors). Streams in a changing environment. Academic Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Blue Skies For Blues, Brews, and BBQ
Despite the ominous weather forecast, the Stroud Center’s Blues, Brews, and BBQ event was held among blue skies and sunshine at Scarlett Thicket Farm in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Volunteers Lend a Helping Hand
National Volunteer Week and Corporate Days of Service gave Stroud™ Water Research Center a helping hand throughout April and May.
Conservation Awards Given to Stroud Center and Deep Roots Valley Farm
We’re excited to share that the Stroud Center was named Conservation Organization of the Year by the Berks County Conservation District.
Stroud Team Helps Discover Species Diversity in State and National Parks
Stroud Center entomologists, interns, and educators joined citizen scientists and others for the National Park Service Centennial BioBlitz.
Students Nationwide Model Their Watersheds, Solve Environmental Challenges
To cultivate the next generation of scientists and watershed stewards, Stroud Center and partners are taking Model My Watershed to classrooms nationwide.
Stroud Center Speaks on Water Scarcity at SFS Annual Meeting
Held in drought-stricken southern California, the focus was on the consequences of depleting freshwater resources and potential solutions.
Welcome Summer Interns!
Stroud Center's internship program, now in its 44th year, has ushered through hundreds of interns who have come in search of meaningful work.
A snapshot on spatial and vertical distribution of bacterial communities in the Eastern Indian Ocean
Wang, J., L. Borecki, X. Zhang, D. Wang, J. Kan, and J. Sun. 2016. Acta Oceanologica Sinica 35:85–93.
Mating behavior of Phyllopalpus pulchellus Uhler (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Trigonidiinae)
D.H. Funk. 2016. Journal of Orthoptera Research 25:7–13.
Bioaccumulation dynamics of arsenate at the base of aquatic food webs
Lopez, A.R., D.R. Hesterberg, D.H. Funk, and D.B. Buchwalter. 2016. Environmental Science & Technology 50(12):6556–6564.
Coal ash constituents at the base of aquatic food webs: processes affecting bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of arsenic
Lopez, A.R., D.R. Hesterberg, D.H. Funk, and D.B. Buchwalter. 2016. Water Resources Research Institute of The University of North Carolina Report No. 465.
River conservation, restoration, and preservation: rewarding private behavior to enhance the commons
Sweeney, B.W., and J.G. Blaine. 2016. Freshwater Science 35:755–763.
Brownie Troop Completes Wonders of Water Journey
We are thrilled to now offer Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs! On Saturday April 30, Brownie Troop #4070 visited us to complete their Wonders of Water Journey badges. Chadds
Observations Data Model 2: a community information model for spatially discrete Earth observations
Horsburgh, J.S., A.K. Aufdenkampe, E. Mayorga, K.A. Lehnert, L. Hsu, L. Song, A.S. Jones, S.G. Damiano, D.G. Tarboton, D. Valentine, I. Zaslavsky, and T. Whitenack. 2016. Environmental Modelling & Software 79:55–74.
Crayfish May Help Restore Dirty Streams, Study Finds
Stroud Water Research Center study finds crayfish may benefit insects, reduce sediment settling in impaired streams.
Former Intern Embarks on Collaborative Research to Make Drinking Water Safer
While an intern at the Stroud Center, Kristen Jellison, Ph.D., got her first taste of investigative scientific research, and she was immediately hooked.
Scientists Study How to Keep Pathogens Out of Drinking-Water Sources
Stroud Center scientists are studying how well best management practices on farms protect drinking-water sources from pollution.
Sharing Our Science: Winter-Spring 2016
For the long-tailed dance fly, every night is ladies’ night, Dave Funk explained in a lecture a University of Delaware insect ecology class.
Seasonal dynamics of the soil microbial community structure within the proximal area of tree boles: possible influence of stemflow
Rosier, C.L., D.F. Levia, J.T. Van Stan, A.K. Aufdenkampe, and J. Kan. 2016. European Journal of Soil Biology 73:108–118.
Geochemistry and mixing drive the spatial distribution of free-living archaea and bacteria in Yellowstone Lake
Kan, J., S. Clingenpeel, C.L. Dow, T.R. McDermott, R.E. Macur, W.P. Inskeep, and K.H. Nealson. 2016. Frontiers in Microbiology 7(210):1–13.
Resilience of aquatic net-spinning caddisfly silk structures to common global stressors
Albertson, L.K., and M.D. Daniels. 2016. Freshwater Biology 61(5):670–679.
Detecting signatures of competition from observational data: a combined approach using DNA barcoding, diversity partitioning and checkerboards at small spatial scales
Bringloe, T., S. J. Adamowicz, V. F. I. Harvey, J. K. Jackson, K. Cottenie. 2016. Freshwater Biology 61:646–657.
Effects of invasive crayfish on fine sediment accumulation, gravel movement, and macroinvertebrate communities
Albertson, L.K., and M.D. Daniels. 2016. Freshwater Science 35(2):644–653.
Sharing Our Science: Winter 2016
We share our science to increase awareness and create a public dialogue centered on the protection, preservation, and restoration of watersheds everywhere.
Intern Connects Culture and Environment
Emily Scott’s background is unique. Our interns are often students of environmental science, she majored in anthropology and religious studies.
Families Learn and Play During Trout Grow on Trees® Day
"The fish ... eat the insects ... on the leaves ... that come from trees!" shouted children and their parents through the forest along White Clay Creek.
Bison and cattle grazing management, bare ground coverage, and links to suspended sediment concentrations in grassland streams
Grudzinski, B.P., M.D. Daniels, K. Anibas, and D. Spencer. 2016. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 52(1):16–30.
Baseflow physical characteristics differ at multiple spatial scales in stream networks across diverse biomes
Rüegg, J., W.K. Dodds, M.D. Daniels, et al. 2015. Landscape Ecology 31(1):119–136.
Spider fauna of three geographically isolated wetland types in southwestern Georgia
W. Tietjen, S. Becker, T.K. Muenz, S.W. Golladay. 2016. Southeastern Naturalist.
Stroud Center in the News, December 2015
Our boots-in-the-water education programs were featured in the November issue of County Lines Magazine. Other mentions:
- Students use leaf packs to monitor Cedar Creek, Cedar Springs (Mi.) Post
- Alexandra
2015 Stroud Center Publications
Stroud Center scientists have authored or co-authored more than two dozen scientific papers this year, exhibiting the range of our science from Yellowstone Lake to Costa Rica and from earthworm
Ehrhart Re-Elected as Penn State Agricultural Council President
Matt Ehrhart took on a new and substantial responsibility last year when his peers elected him president of the Penn State Agricultural Council.
Education Department Highlights: Hello, Congratulations, and Goodbye
Stroud Center announces the retirement of Susan Gill, the appointment of new education director Steven Kerlin and the promotion of Tara Muenz to assistant director of education.
Alexandra Cousteau: Freshwater Issues the Greatest Crisis of Our Time
"When we ask, do we have enough water when we need it and where we need it, and is the water quality good enough for our children to swim in,
Carbon pools in stream-riparian corridors: legacy of disturbance along mountain streams of south-eastern Wyoming
Ruffing, C.M., K.A. Dwire, and M.D. Daniels. 2015. Earth Surfaces Processes and Landforms 41(2):208–223.
Stream-Monitoring Technology Saves Time and Keeps Scientists Safe
An acoustic Doppler current profiler lets our scientists stay safe and dry while taking crucial streamflow measurements during flood conditions.
Part 2: Sensitivity comparisons of the mayfly Centroptilum triangulifer to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia magna using standard reference toxicants; NaCl, KCl and CuSO4
Struewing, K.A., J.M. Lazorchak, P.C. Weaver, B.R. Johnson, D.H. Funk, and D.B. Buchwalter. 2015. Chemosphere 139:597–603.
How big of an effect do small dams have? Using geomorphological footprints to quantify spatial impact of low-head dams and identify patterns of across-dam variation
Fencl, J.S., M.E. Mather, K.H. Costigan, and M.D. Daniels. 2015. PLoS ONE 10(11):e0141210.
Part 1: Laboratory culture of Centroptilum triangulifer (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) using a defined diet of three diatoms
Weaver, P.C., J.M. Lazorchak, K.A. Struewing, S.J. DeCelles, D.H. Funk, D.B. Buchwalter, and B.R. Johnson. 2015. Chemosphere 139:589–596.
Pouring Water Quality into Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index
“Holy cow, how do people get up to that place? I might need a helicopter to lower me down on a cable.” Bernard W. Sweeney, Ph.D., director of Stroud Water
Clean, Fresh Water Essential to Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
Stroud Water Research Center and Waterkeeper Alliance will help the tiny Himalayan nation test and monitor its freshwater resources.
Geomicrobiology of sublacustrine thermal vents in Yellowstone Lake: geochemical controls on microbial community structure and function
Inskeep, W.P., Z.J. Jay, R.E. Macur, S. Clingenpeel, A. Tenney, D. Lovalvo, J.P. Beam, M.A. Kozubal, W.C. Shanks, L.A. Morgan, J. Kan, Y. Gorby, S. Yooseph, and K. Nealson. 2015. Frontiers
Stroud Center in the News, October 2015
- Creating watershed ambassadors, The Exchange, Millersville University
- Nature Abounds working with Carnegie Mellon University on citizen science grant, Gant Daily, Clearfield County, Pa.
- A fundraising party for young adults
Fall 2015 Events Recap
MOONLIT STREAM STROLL Stroud Center kicked off the busy fall season with a Moonlit Stream Stroll on Friday, September 25. Trish Scott and Anne Stroud, who generously sponsored this event,
New Entomology Group Member Finds Bugs and Fungi Fascinating
Working in aquatic science is a dream come true for Matthew Wilson, the Entomology Group’s new research technician. Growing up, he thought he wanted to study primates. But his path
Stroud Center Connects International Leaders with Freshwater Solutions
Stroud Water Research Center rolled out the red carpet for water systems experts from 23 countries who gathered to learn how to best protect their home countries' water resources.
Stroud Center Scientist Takes “Rotator” Post at National Science Foundation
Louis A. Kaplan, Ph.D., accepted a one-year appointment as a visiting scientist at the federal agency that funds innovative scientific research.
First record of a large-scale bloom-causing species Nannochloropsis granulata (Monodopsidaceae, Eustigmatophyceae) in China Sea Waters
Zhang, X., J. Kan, J. Wang, H. Gu, J. Hu, Y. Zhao, and J. Sun. 2015. Ecotoxicology 24:1430–1441.
Stroud Center in the News, Fall 2015
- Residents have their say at Artesian Water meeting, Daily Local News
- Stroud expands environmental awareness with its intern program, Daily Local News
- Natural Selections: Jubilee in the Grove, Montgomery
Spotlight on Valérie Ouellet
Having grown up in the scenic village of Padoue in eastern Québec, Valérie Ouellet, Ph.D., was surprised to hear people comment on how chilly Pennsylvania was last winter. “It was
2014 REU Participant to Research Climate Change Using Ice Cores
Abigail Thayer, a Research Experience for Undergraduates participant at the Stroud Center, learned about researching Earth’s Critical Zone.
Summer Research Program Boosts Confidence, Shapes Careers
“Hydrosphere! Lithosphere! Atmosphere! Biosphere!” students and teachers shouted during orientation for this summer’s Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) Research Experience for Undergraduates and Teachers (REU/RET). As a means to understand each
Studying How Massive Storms Impact Water Quality
Big storm events deliver huge amounts of particulate materials, which contributes significantly to the total amount of nutrients in freshwater streams and rivers.
Study Will Investigate Storm Impacts on Fresh Water
The Stroud Center will measure the huge amount sediment-associated nitrogen flushed downstream during intense storms, and investigate what happens to it.
The Hottest Ticket in Town
Guests who were lucky enough to get tickets enjoyed an evening of abundance from the moment they walked into the beautifully restored stables at The Farm at Doe Run.
Spotlight on Jessica Provinski
“Who doesn’t love to throw a good party?” Jessica Provinski asks with such delight you can almost see a twinkle in her eye. The associate director of special events and
Mapping a Stream’s Recovery
On a clear, bright day, Jennifer Matkov wades calf-deep in cool stream water. “These are the beautiful fieldwork days we love!” she says. She and fellow research technician Laura Borecki
Court Ruling a Victory for Chesapeake Bay
Cleaning up the bay and its tributaries will improve the lives of 17 million people who live in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Alexandra Cousteau to Receive Stroud Award For Freshwater Excellence
Stroud Water Research Center will confer the 2015 Freshwater Excellence Award to Cousteau on November 19 during its annual Water's Edge Gala at Longwood Gardens.
Court Ruling a Victory for Chesapeake Bay
Cleaning up the bay and its tributaries will improve the lives of 17 million people who live in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The geochemical transformation of soils by agriculture and its dependence on soil erosion: an application of the geochemical mass balance approach
Yoo, K., B. Fisher, J. Ji, A. Aufdenkampe, and J. Klaminder. 2015. Science of the Total Environment 521:326–335.
Opinion: endogenizing culture in sustainability science research and policy
Caldasa, M.M., M.R. Sanderson, M. Mather, M.D. Daniels, J.S. Bergtold, J. Aistrup, J.L. Heier Stamm, D. Haukosc, K. Douglas-Mankin, A.Y. Sheshukov, and D.Lopez-Carr. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Consumption of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon by stream microorganisms
Wiegner, T.N., L.A. Kaplan, S.E. Ziegler, R.H. Findlay. 2015. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 75:225–237.
Sharing Our Science: Summer 2015
In May, Stroud Water Research Center scientists attended the weeklong annual meeting of the Society for Freshwater Science (SFS) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Spotlight on Stephanie Eisenbise
With interests ranging from agriculture to white water kayaking to planting trees along streams, Stephanie Eisenbise, Stroud Center’s new watershed restoration coordinator, is passionate about freshwater ecosystems and finding ways
Volunteers Protect White Clay Creek Headwaters By Planting 500 Trees
Volunteers planted, staked and installed tree shelters on 500 trees. The work was completed within two hours — a new record for the Stroud Center.
Headwaters, Small Streams Now Better Protected Under Clean Water Act
The United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule that clarifies what “waters of the United States” are covered under the Clean Water Act.
The Role of Critical Zone Observatories in Critical Zone Science
White, T., S. Brantley, S. Banwart, J. Chorover, W. Dietrich, L. Derry, K. Lohse, S. Anderson, A. Aufdenkampe, R. Bales, P. Kumar, D. Richter, and B. McDowell. 2015. Pages 15–17
Fish growth, physiological stress, and tissue condition in response to rate or temperature change during cool or warm diel thermal cycles
Eldridge, W.H., B.W. Sweeney, and J.M.Law. 2015. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 72(10):1527-1537.
Alexandra Cousteau to Receive SAFE Award
The Stroud Center will confer the 2015 Freshwater Excellence Award to Cousteau on November 19 during its annual Water's Edge Gala at Longwood Gardens.
Longitudinal shifts in dissolved organic matter chemogeography and chemodiversity within headwater streams: a river continuum reprise
Mosher, J.J., L.A. Kaplan, D.C. Podgorski, A.M. McKenna, and A.G. Marshall. 2015. Biogeochemistry 124(1–3):371–385.
Science, Not Politics, Should Guide Clean Water Act Clarification
On May 19, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on a bill which would require the EPA to withdraw its proposed “waters of the United
Stroud Center Honored with Two Conservation Awards
Berks County Conservation District gave Sweeney its Conservation Individual of the Year Award and Lancaster County Conservation District gave Stroud Center its Cooperating Agency Award.
Two Hellos and a Goodbye in Entomology Group
HELLO, SHERMAN ROBERTS More than 40 years ago, when Sherman Roberts was scarcely out of high school and unsure of what career path to take, his aunt suggested volunteering at
Dansko Co-Founders Honored for Their Support
The Stroud Center dedicated the Public Outreach Wing of its Moorhead Environmental Complex in honor of Dansko co-founders Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup.
Re-Wilding Tropical Ecosystems Starts With Clean Fresh Water
Bern Sweeney, Ph.D., traveled to Costa Rica in late January to discuss innovative practices in re-wilding tropical ecosystems including rainforests, mangrove forests, streams and wetlands.
Remembering John Taylor
John H. Taylor Jr., a career journalist who served on Stroud™ Water Research Center’s board of directors since June 2009, died April 4 after a tough battle with cancer. He
Delaware River Basin Deserves Federal Protection
Stroud Water Research Center applauds reintroduction of Delaware River Basin Conservation Act.
Healthy Streams for Healthy Herds
When farmers improve the health of streams on their land, it also improves the health of their herds.
Public Outreach Wing Dedication Honors Dansko Co-Founders
Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup have been generous, long-term supporters of Stroud Water Research Center.
Stroud Center Gets Award for Environmental Education Programs
The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators gives Stroud Water Research Center the Outstanding Environmental Education Program Award.
New Board Members Help Stroud Center Advance Mission
Stroud Water Research Center welcomes C. Bland Dickey and Porter Schutt to its board of directors.
Fundamental spatial and temporal disconnections in the hydrology of an intermittent prairie headwater network
Costigan, K.H., M.D. Daniels, W.K. Dodds. 2015. Journal of Hydrology 522:305–316.
New Record Set for the Annual Fund
The 2014 annual fund reached a new level of support -- a total of 356 donors gave $452,809, setting records for the numbers of donors and contributions raised.
Getting Our Boots Ready for Spring Stream Programs
Known for boots-in-the-water programs, our education department goes above and beyond to share the latest in freshwater knowledge with thousands of students each year.
Disturbance legacies of historic tie-drives persistently alter geomorphology and large wood characteristics in headwater streams, southeast Wyoming
Ruffing, C., M. Daniels, and K.A. Dwire. 2015. Geomorphology 231:1–14.
Grant Supports Total Watershed Restoration to Reduce Flooding, Improve Habitat
The Stroud Center will restore Sharitz Run, a tributary to Doe Run in the headwaters of the Brandywine Creek near Coatesville and Unionville, Pennsylvania.
Parent material and vegetation influence bacterial community structure and nitrogen functional genes along deep tropical soil profiles at the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory
Stone, M.M., J. Kan, and A.F. Plante. 2015. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 80:273–282.
Forest canopy structural controls over throughfall affect soil microbial community structure in an epiphyte-laden maritime oak stand
Rosier, C., J. van Stan, L. Moore, J. Schrom, T. Wu, J. Reichard, and J. Kan. 2015. Ecohydrology 8:1459–1470.
Dynamic hydrologic and biogeochemical processes drive microbially enhanced iron and sulfur cycling within the intertidal mixing zone of a beach aquifer
McAllister, S.M., J.M. Barnett, J.W. Heiss, A.J. Findlay, D.J. MacDonald, C.L. Dow, G.W. Luther III, H.A. Michael, and C.S.Chan. 2015. Limnology and Oceanography 60:329–345.
Elevated major ion concentrations inhibit larval mayfly growth and development
Johnson, B.R., P.C. Weaver, C.T. Nietch, J.M. Lazorchak, K.A. Struewing, and D.H. Funk. 2015. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 34(1):167–172.
Impact of exotic earthworms on organic carbon sorption on mineral surfaces and soil carbon inventories in a northern hardwood forest
Lyttle, A., K. Yoo, C. Hale, A.K. Aufdenkampe, S.D. Sebestyen, K. Resner, and A. Blum. 2015. Ecosystems 18(1):16–29.
Invasive earthworms deplete key soil inorganic nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, and P) in a northern hardwood forest
Resner, K., K. Yoo, C. Hale, A.K. Aufdenkampe, S.D. Sebestyen, A. Lyttle, and A. Blum. 2015. Ecosystems 18(1):89–102.
2014 Publications from Stroud Center Staff and Collaborators
Peer-reviewed publication of our research, education, and restoration activities is a fundamental tool for all staff at Stroud Water Research Center. This process often represents years of hard work, collaboration,
Lindsey Albertson Takes Over Stream House
Lindsey Albertson, who earned her Ph.D. in Ecology at the University of California in Santa Barbara last year, has been doing postdoctoral research at Stroud Center, investigating how animals influence
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Honored at Water’s Edge Gala
For his involvement in the Waterkeeper Alliance, his work as an environmental attorney, and for authoring books, articles, and lectures about the sources and impacts of stream and river pollution,
Restoration News, Fall 2014
In between the flurry of watershed restoration planning and field work that the Stroud Restoration Team carries out, it organized several riparian forest buffer workshops through the region this fall.
Education News, Fall 2014
From New Jersey to Costa Rica to North Carolina and back home at the Stroud Center, our education staff was busy this fall!
Citizen Scientists Track Tiny Critters to Determine Health of the Watershed
Turns out eight-year-olds aren’t the only ones who love great piles of leaves. So do macroinvertebrates, the critters that indicate watershed health.
Grant Funds Expansion of Watershed Modeling Website
The expanded module will help high school students across the country learn how land use impacts freshwater quality in their own geographic regions.
Environmental Monitoring Web Community to be Launched
The goal is to create a community that shares ideas to accelerate the development of easy-to-use, open-source approaches to environmental monitoring.
Outreach For Healthy Streams
Here, in brief, is our approach to watershed restoration outreach to distant watersheds and new communities.
Louis “Sandy” Sage Lobby Dedication Evokes Tears and Laughter
The Moorhead Environmental Complex lobby was named for Sandy in recognition of his many years of help and assistance to the Stroud Center and its mission.
The Stream Biome Gradient Concept: controlling factors of streams across broad biogeographic scales
Walter, K.D., K. Gido, M.R.While, M.D. Daniels, and B.P. Grudzinski. 2015. Freshwater Science 34(1):1–19.
Spatial distribution and ecosystem effects of a nuisance, bloom-forming diatom (Didymosphenia geminata) in Catskill Mountain streams, New York
Richardson, D.C., I.A. Oleksy, T.J. Hoellein, D.B. Arscott, C.A. Gibson, and S.M. Root. 2014. Aquatic Sciences 76:553.
Rapid response of a sand-dominated river to installation and removal of a temporary run-of-the-river dam
Costigan, K.H., C.M. Ruffing, M.D. Daniels, and J.S. Perkin. 2014. River Research and Applications 32(1):110–124.
Alabama Water Watch and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream partner with the U.S. Forest Service to monitor and protect watersheds in the Escambia Experimental Forest
Dyson, D.S., T.K. Muenz, and E. Reutebuch. 2014. Alabama’s Treasured Forest Magazine, Alabama Forestry Commission.
Sharing Our Science: Summer 2014
Stroud Center Scientists Attend International Conferences; Leaf Pack Network Science Hits the Road; 24 Hours, 55 Volunteers, 807 Species; Walking the Walk at Spring Creek Farms Field Day; Cultivating the
Improved performance of the PacBio SMRT technology for 16S rDNA sequencing
Mosher, J.J., B. Bowman, E.L. Bernberg, O. Shevchenko, J. Kan, J. Korlach, and L.A. Kaplan. 2014. Journal of Microbiological Methods 104:59–60.
Science, not politics, should guide Clean Water Act clarification
Sweeney, B.W. 2014. Op-Ed in The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware.
Fragmentation and drying ratchet down Great Plains stream fish diversity
Perkin, J.S., K.B. Gido, K.H. Costigan, M.D. Daniels, and E.R. Johnson. 2014. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 25(5):639–655.
A stressful shortness of breath: molting disrupts breathing in the mayfly Cloeon dipterum
Camp, A.A., D.H. Funk, and D.B. Buchwalter. 2014. Freshwater Science 33(3):695–699.
Coupled geochemical and biogeochemical characterization of dissolved organic matter from a headwater stream
Sleighter, R.L., R.M. Cory, L.A. Kaplan, H.A.N. Abdulla, and P.G. Hatcher. 2014. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeochemistry 119(8):1520–1537.
Influence of riparian and watershed alterations on sandbars in a Great Plains river
Fischer, J., C. Paukert, and M.D. Daniels. 2014. River Research and Applications 31(9):1140–1150.
Scientist Honored for Service to Water Sciences Community
Anthony Aufdenkampe, Ph.D., was recognized for his national leadership and community building for the Critical Zone Observatory network.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Receive SAFE Award
MEDIA ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2014 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Beverly M. Payton, Communications Director (w) 610-268-2153 x 305 (m) 215-512-7739 bpayton@stroudcenter.org Stroud Water Research Center will confer
Visually Striking Documentary about Water to be Screened
The thought-provoking documentary “Watermark” explores how humanity has shaped, manipulated, and depleted one of its most vital and compromised resources.
Habitat characteristics, temporal variability, and macroinvertebrate communities associated with a mat-forming nuisance diatom (Didymosphenia geminata) in Catskill mountain streams, New York
Richardson, D., I. Oleksy, T. Hoellein, D. Arscott, C. Gibson, and S. Root. 2014. Aquatic Sciences 76(4):553–564.
Workshop Set for Berks County Farmers
Berks County Conservation District and Stroud Water Research Center will be showcasing Best Management Practices and funding sources at Spring Creek Farm.
The delivery of dissolved organic carbon from a forested hillslope to a headwater stream in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA
Mei, Y., G.M. Hornberger, L.A. Kaplan, J.D. Newbold, and A.K. Aufdenkampe. 2014. Water Resources Research 50(7):5774–5796.
Systematics and acoustics of North American Anaxipha (Gryllidae: Trigonidiinae)
Walker, T.J., and D.H. Funk. 2014. Journal of Orthoptera Research 23:1–38.
Teaming Up to Enhance Chester County Agriculture, Water Quality
Stroud Water Research Center and the Chester County Conservation District will develop conservation and restoration plans for area farms.
Study: 100-Foot Wide Forest Keeps Streams Healthy
New literature review shows streamside forest buffers should be at least 100 feet wide on each side to protect freshwater ecosystems from human activities.
Hydrologic dynamics and geochemical responses within a floodplain aquifer and hyporheic zone during Hurricane Sandy
Sawyer, A.H., L.A. Kaplan, O. Lazareva, and H.A. Michael. 2014. Water Resources Journal 50(6):4877–4892.
Rock Snot: ItsNot a Joke
Turns out, noses aren’t the only things that get snotty: Phlegm-like algae grosses out stream beds, too.
Los biólogos realizan experimentos para evaluar la salud de los arroyos del Perú
El Centro Amazónico de Educación Ambiental e Investigación (ACEER) y el Centro de Investigación del Agua Stroud presentarán seminarios para el público.
Streamside forest buffer width needed to protect stream water quality, habitat, and organisms: a literature review
Sweeney, B.W., and J.D. Newbold. 2014. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 50:560–584.
Community-developed geoscience cyberinfrastructure
Richard, S. M., G. Pearthree, A.K. Aufdenkampe, J. Cutcher-Gershenfeld, M. Daniels, B. Gomez, D. Kinkade, and G. Percivall. 2014 . Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union 95(20):165–166.
No evidence of aquatic priming effects in hyporheic zone microcosms
Bengtsson, M.M., K. Wagner, N.R. Burns, E.R. Herberg, W. Wanek, L.A. Kaplan, and T.J. Battin. 2014. Scientific Reports 4, Article number: 5187.
Salty Roads, Salty Rivers
Salt helps keep winter roads safe. But when snow melts, the salt runs off pavement and can end up in waterways.
Sharing Our Science: Spring 2014
Stroud Center Tackles Watershed Restoration; Getting to Know Rock Snot; Something Smells Fishy.
Tara Muenz Joins Stroud Center as New Educator
Muenz describes herself as an “earth steward” who enjoys pursuing a “mindful and simple lifestyle.” She plans to share her passion for environmental stewardship, especially for healthy waters, with others.
Linking seasonal inorganic nitrogen shift to the dynamics of microbial communities in the Chesapeake Bay
Hong, Y., X. Xu, J. Kan, and F. Chen. 2014. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 98:3219–3229.
Freshwater Sources Less “Fresh” from Greater Salt Use, Scientists Say
Fresh groundwater, where some drinking water comes from, recharges streams. Scientists are concerned about early signs that groundwater sources are getting saltier.
Trees Can Be a Stream’s Best Friend
Tree-lined streams aren’t just pretty — healthy trees also make for healthier streams. How’s that, you ask?
$2 Million Kick-Starts Stroud Center’s Work in Delaware River
46 environmental organizations will collaborate to monitor, protect, and restore critical freshwater sources for 15 million people from upstate New York to the mouth of the Delaware Bay.
Longitudinal variability in hydraulic geometry and substrate characteristics of a Great Plains sand-bed river
Costigan, K.H., M.D. Daniels, J.S. Perkin, and K.B. Gido. 2014. Geomorphology 210:48–58.
Small Streams: The Heart and Soul of Waterways
When it comes to water quality, size is definitely not everything. Listen up for the big impact of small streams
Earth Week Presentation on Stream Fish Ecology
Learn how you can help improve freshwater ecosystems by monitoring fish populations, educating the public, and expanding stream restoration efforts.
Students Learn Fish Grow on Trees
Students raised trout from eggs, monitored tank water quality, recorded fish behavior, engaged in stream studies, and learned to appreciate water resources.
Scientist to Deliver Healthy Streams Program for Area Farmers
Bernard Sweeney, Ph.D., director of Stroud Water Research Center, will present information about streams and how they can be improved.
Workshops: Farms for Food, Clean Water, and Healthy Streams
An opportunity for farmers and rural landowners to learn how conservation projects and forested buffers can restore their streams to healthier conditions.
Does DNA barcoding improve performance of traditional stream bioassessment metrics?
Stein, E.D., B.P. White, R.D. Mazor, J.K. Jackson, J.M. Battle, P.E. Miller, E.M. Pilgrim, and B.W. Sweeney. 2014. Freshwater Science 33(1):302–311.
How Many Trees Does It Take to Protect a Stream?
A literature review by the Stroud Center concluded that forest buffers should be at least 30 meters, or nearly 100 feet, wide to adequately protect streams.
Sharing Our Science: Winter 2014
Stroud Center Models Farm Stewardship at PA Farm Show; Wise Shares Importance of Trees to Streams; Sweeney Speaks In Support of Streamside Forests.
Connecting Land and Water Solutions: Lamonte Garber Joins Watershed Restoration Group
Garber will serve as the watershed restoration coordinator, working with landowners and partnering agencies on restoration and conservation projects throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
A variable source area for groundwater evapotranspiration: impacts on modeling stream flow
Tsang, Y.P., G. Hornberger, L.A. Kaplan, J.D. Newbold, and A.K. Aufdenkampe. 2014. Hydrological Processes 28(4):2439–2450.
Free Event to Focus on Conservation and Animal Health
The Stroud Center is hosting a presentation for equine farm managers focused on conservation planning, stream ecology, and animal deworming issues.
Soil organic matter stability in organo-mineral complexes as a function of increasing C loading
Feng, W., A.F. Plante, A.K. Aufdenkampe, and J. Six. 2014. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 69:398–405.
Model My Watershed: connecting students’ conceptual understanding of watersheds to real-world decision-making
Gill, S.E., N. Marcum-Dietrich, and R. Becker-Klein. 2014. Journal of Geoscience Education 62(1):61–73.
Classification of the alterations of beaver dams to headwater streams in northeastern Connecticut, USA
Burchsted, D., and M.D. Daniels. 2014. Geomorphology 205:36–50.
Cryptic biodiversity in streams: a comparison of macroinvertebrate communities based on morphological and DNA barcode identifications
Jackson, J.K., J.M. Battle, B.P. White, E.M. Pilgrim, E.D. Stein, P.E. Miller, and B.W. Sweeney. 2014. Freshwater Science 33(1):312–324.
Characteristic length scales and time‐averaged transport velocities of suspended sediment in the mid‐Atlantic Region, USA
J. Pizzuto, E.R. Schenk, C.R. Hupp, A. Gellis, G. Noe, E. Williamson, D.L. Karwan, M. O’Neal, J. Marquard, R. Aalto, and J.D. Newbold. 2014. Water Resources Research 50:790–805.
Developing a web application for the integration of real-world, scientific, problem-solving into the secondary classroom
Gill, S.E., N. Marcum-Dietrich, and J. Fraser. 2014. Pages 422–432 in A.D. Ritzhaupt and S. Kumar (editors). K–12 education: concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications. IGI Global, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
UpStream Newsletter, December 2013
Low Levels of Fracking Wastewater Highly Toxic to Mayflies: Stroud Center scientists find mayflies, whose presence indicates good water quality, are significantly affected by low levels of produced water.
Response of benthic macroinvertebrates to gradients in hydrological connectivity: a comparison of temperate, subtropical, Mediterranean and semiarid river floodplains
Gallardo, B., S. Dolédec, A. Paillex, D.B. Arscott, F. Sheldon, F. Zilli, S. Mérigoux, E. Castella, and F.A. Comín. 2014. Freshwater Biology 59:630–648.