Like underwater engineers, caddisflies and other net-spinning macroinvertebrates attach gravels to one another on the bottom of streams in a way that stabilizes the stream bed and reduces erosion. Using laboratory experiments in experimental streams, conducting field experiments and surveys, and modeling the landscape-scale effects, scientists are discovering how these tiny ecosystem engineers affect ecosystem processes and stabilize habitat for biofilms and macroinvertebrates. This science is translated into learning resources and teacher professional development workshops.
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Principal Investigator: Melinda Daniels
Collaborators:
2019–2020: Tara K. Muenz; Lindsey Albertson and Wyatt Cross (Montana State University); Leonard Sklar (San Francisco State University)
2016–2018: Lindsey Albertson and Wyatt Cross (Montana State University); Leonard Sklar (San Francisco State University)
Project Years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
