TWINELINE 2 0 1 2 F A L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N V O L . 3 4 / N O . 4

Restoring Wetlands Development of a new refuge in Ottawa County presents challenges and promise

ATMOSPH ND ER A IC IC A N D A M E I C N O I S

L T

A R

N A T

O

I

I

O

T

N A N

U E .S . C D R E E P M A M RT O MENT OF C TABLE OF TWINELINE OHIO SEA GRANT The Ohio State University 1314 Kinnear Rd. Columbus, OH 43212-1156 Phone: 614.292.8949 Fax: 614.292.4364 CONTENTS ohioseagrant.osu.edu 2 0 1 2 F A L L / W I N T E R E D I T I O N V O L . 3 2 / N O . 2 OHIO SEA GRANT STAFF Dr. Jeffrey M. Reutter Director [email protected]

Jill Jentes Banicki Assistant Director Page [email protected]

From Farm Fields to Wetlands...... 3 Dr. Christopher Winslow Climate Change Outreach Team Adds Assistant Director [email protected] Local Context to a Changing Climate...... 6 Bryan Ford Upcoming Climate Webinars...... 7 Business Manager [email protected] A Season of Impact...... 8 Nancy Cruickshank Strange Solutions ...... 10 Publications Manager [email protected] Fact-Checking the Forecast ...... 12 Christina Dierkes Improving Phosphorus Detection ...... 13 Outreach Specialist Mercury Monitoring at Stone Lab...... 14 [email protected] Lyndsey Manzo Summer 2013 Stone Lab Courses...... 15 Education Coordinator Supporting Students, Honoring Memories...... 16 [email protected] George Oommen FOSL...... 17 System Engineer Student Spotlight: Jack Gaskins [email protected] Grace Hicks Open House HR, Fiscal & Travel Coordinator Buckeye Island Hop [email protected] John Tripp Office Associate [email protected]

Greg Aylsworth Designer [email protected] GOES GREEN(ER)

EXTENSION AGENTS Frank R. Lichtkoppler Lake & Ashtabula Counties 440.350.2267 [email protected] Program Coordinator

Heather Elmer Ohio Coastal Training Program 419.433.4601 [email protected]

Tory Gabriel Ottawa County 419.898.3631 [email protected]

Dr. Kristin Stanford Stone Laboratory Education & Outreach Coordinator As part of recent renovations on Gibraltar and South Bass Islands, appliances will save thousands of gallons of water each year. 614.247.6500 Stone Lab has added green improvements to its portfolio of Lake A complete list of recent and planned updates is covered in [email protected] Erie protection efforts. Solar panels provide for part of the lab’s “Green Improvements at Stone Lab,” an Ohio Sea Grant fact Joe Lucente summer electricity needs, solar thermal tubes on the Dining Hall sheet available for download on the Sea Grant website: Lucas County roof supply hot water for the kitchen, and low-flow bathroom go.osu.edu/greenSL. 419.213.2028 [email protected]

Twine Line (ISSN 1064-6418) is published four times a year by the Ohio Sea Grant College Program at The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, OH 43212-1156. Sarah Orlando Subscription price is $10.00 per year (four issues). The opinions expressed are those of the authors only. Please contact the office to obtain permission before reprinting articles Clean Marinas Coordinator or graphics. Ohio Sea Grant is a statewide program that supports greater knowledge and stewardship of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes. It is part of the NOAA Sea Grant College 419.609.4120 Program (NOAA grant NA16RG2252, project M/P-2), which includes 32 state programs. Support of Ohio Sea Grant is provided by National Sea Grant, the State of Ohio, The Ohio [email protected] State University, Ohio State University Extension, and participating universities, agencies, and businesses. Matt Thomas Stone Laboratory 2 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 419.285.1846 [email protected] by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications

Metal wires extend from the boat’s bow into from the water, and a generator in the back of the boat hums quietly. In the boat, buckets of river water and wooden measuring trays await the day’s catch, as the electrical current stuns the fish in the farm fields surrounding part of the river and causes them to float to the surface, where they’ll be swept up with fiberglass nets and deposited in the buckets. toWETLANDS Dr. Chris Winslow, Ohio Sea Grant’s Assistant Director, and Stone Lab Manager Matt Thomas Ohio Sea Grant works with The Nature Conservancy are gearing up for a day of electrofishing, one of two methods they are using to survey fish to restore wetlands in Ottawa County populations in the Toussaint. The survey is part of a Nature Conservancy (TNC) project to restore It’s a beautiful fall day on the Toussaint River, just south of the Ottawa a section of riverside farmland into a wetland preserve that will reduce flooding and nutrient National Wildlife Refuge on the Lake Erie shore. Along both riverbanks, loading to Lake Erie while providing important farm fields attest to western Ohio’s agricultural roots, and on the water, habitat for fish, birds, and plant life. TNC is also partnering with Ducks Unlimited, which is the passengers of a metal boat, clad in heavy rubber waders, boots, providing engineering expertise, and the Ottawa and gloves, seem to be setting up for a mad science experiment. National Wildlife Refuge, which owns the land. “The Blausey Tract, one of four different areas included in the project, is 171 acres of mostly agricultural land owned by the refuge,” explains Within the next year, the Blausey Tract will be transformed from 171 acres of farmland (inset) to wetland habitat. James Cole, Lake Erie Coastal Conservation Main image: Jaded Knitter; Inset image: James Cole, TNC Manager for The Nature Conservancy. “We’re going to reconnect it to lake hydrology because

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 3 it’s right on the river, about two to three miles of the nets has been down as well, because when WETLAND from the shores of Lake Erie. We’re planning to the water is low, the fish move, but it doesn’t cover put in a gated structure and a fish ladder that’ll up our nets.” Because of the net’s construction, TRANSFORMATION allow water and nutrient exchange, as well as fish the entry point is always at a certain height above .01 passage during low water levels, from the new the riverbed, and if water levels are too low and restored wetland to the Toussaint and eventually the net is not completely submerged, only fish Lake Erie. We also have some other big blocks of that swim through the top of the water column reforestation and revegetation, about 120 acres, will get caught. However, the previous sampling that will provide habitat for migratory birds.” sessions have yielded positive results, and the The four parcels of land add up to 582 acres researchers are confident that they’ll be able to to be restored. provide accurate evaluations of the area’s fish Ohio Sea Grant’s role, funded through a population before and after the Blausey Tract is partnership grant from the National Oceanic connected to the river. .02 and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is Construction on breaching the levee is already focused on the fish survey in the Blausey Tract. in progress, and Cole expects construction of The collaboration was aided by Sarah Opfer, the the gated passage to be completed by the end of NOAA Restoration Specialist for the Great Lakes 2012. Ducks Unlimited will also install a pump region, who put Cole in touch with Winslow and system from a major agricultural drainage ditch Tory Gabriel, Ohio Sea Grant’s Ottawa County to divert water into the wetland instead of having Extension Educator. it drain directly into the Toussaint. “Sarah put us in contact with Tory and Chris, “Part of the reason for these structures is we talked with them about fish monitoring, and elevation difference,” explains Cole. “Blausey they produced a survey design and ran with it,” is at a higher elevation than the river, so even .03 Cole remembers. “They did a great job of putting if we just blew out the entire levee, that doesn’t everything together. Our project coordinator necessarily mean we’d be getting water in from Jennifer Thieme went out with the Sea Grant the Toussaint. That’s also the reason why we group on one of the sampling trips, and she said have to put in the pump at the county drain.” it was great to experience such valuable research In addition, the setup allows Ottawa National first-hand.” Wildlife Refuge, who will be managing Blausey Winslow and Thomas have completed the long-term when TNC completes the project first of three sampling sessions this fall, and in June 2013, to use water levels as one way to will add one set of sessions in the spring of control invasive plants like phragmites. If it looks .04 2013, and one set in the fall of that year. like the plants might spread into the wetland “Our goal is to see if the fish that we see in instead of remaining at the periphery, water levels the river will actually use the new wetland,” says in the wetland can be raised to prevent such Winslow. “They know it’s going to become avian colonization, for example. habitat, so you’re going to get a lot of birds and “What it really allows is flexibility,” Cole says. a lot of macroinvertebrates and insects. Our job “At times when there’s a huge seiche event or is to look into potential fish populations. Right flooding, where it makes sense to close off the now, the restoration area isn’t connected to the Toussaint, so this is what we’re calling our pre- .01 The Blausey Tract, right on the Toussaint testing, and in the spring and fall of next year, River (top left). Lake Erie is located we’ll perform the post-testing when there’s water just two miles northeast of the future on both sides of the dike.” wetland. In addition to electrofishing, the Sea Grant .02 The access route to Blausey, before the team uses a trap net to find any fish that may not start of construction. be as susceptible to electrical current. The funnel- like construction allows fish to enter through The dig for the fish structure that will .03 a small opening at the front of the net, and a open the land to the Toussaint River. 70-foot long barrier net that stretches across .04 Construction on the gated passage the river perpendicular to the current directs as structure between Blausey and the river many fish as possible toward the 16-foot funnel. is already in progress, and should be “The low water levels have presented a completed by the end of the year. challenge,” Winslow says. “We were able to shock From the length of the fish, researchers can use a mathematical formula to closely estimate its weight. Length is easier to measure Images, from top: 1, Google Maps; 2 & 3, Sarah Opfer, NOAA; 4, two out of the three times we were out so far, but Jennifer Thieme, TNC the third time we couldn’t even get the boat in than weight, making field data collection easier. the water. We could still net, but the success rate

4 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION At left: Part of the electrofishing equipment extends from the boat’s bow, while a generator runs the current through the wires and back to the boat. Stone Lab Manager Matt Thomas records data while Ohio Sea Grant’s Tory Gabriel and Dr. Chris Winslow measure fish. // Above: Ohio Sea Grant’s Dr. Chris Winslow sets up a trap net during a sampling session. Each net’s catch is measured, identified, and recorded for the fish survey. Images: main, Sarah Opfer, NOAA; inset, Jennifer Thieme, TNC

running, there’s going to be a great migratory which encompasses large portions of Lucas and bird response, especially from waterfowl and Ottawa counties, including the current project. shorebirds.” With birdwatching contributing AOCs are designated by the U.S. Environmental $30 million to northern Ohio’s economy every Protection Agency through the Great Lakes year, having additional spaces where birders can Water Quality Agreement when the area shows observe native and migratory birds could boost at least one beneficial use impairment. The the local economy as well. Maumee AOC has 11 out of 14 possible BUIs, “This would be a new location for people and the TNC restoration project is focusing to visit, but one of the next steps is trying to on three: loss of fish and wildlife habitat, wetland, the refuge will have access to close the figure out how to best allow access to this area,” degradation of fish and wildlife populations, gates, but in most cases, the gate will be open to says Cole. “Some of the other areas within this and degradation of benthos. allow nutrient exchange.” proposal, people have easy access to because “There are a lot of acronyms involved,” Cole That filtering of nutrients is especially it’s within a main part of the refuge, or it’s right jokes. “But basically you have to clear up these important in Lake Erie’s western basin, next door, but Blausey is a little bit off the beaten BUIs for the AOC to be delisted. It’s almost like where harmful algal blooms are exacerbated path, and there’s some logistics that would have getting a student out of detention, that’s the by phosphorus runoff from agricultural to be worked out.” metaphor that the Maumee RAP Committee fields every year. Wetlands can slow down The fish survey currently in progress is always uses.” Remedial Action Planning (RAP) and store water before it gets to the lake, showing promise for the future wetland as well. Committees oversee each Area of Concern and allowing sediments, which carry much of the “We’re seeing the whole range of fish species,” manage the overall restoration process, but as phosphorus, to settle out of suspension in the Winslow says. “We’re seeing white bass in there, with most environmental problems, coming wetland instead of in the lake. Standing water which is a great local sport fish, we’re seeing up with solutions is never a job for just one in the wetland also allows the resident plants the emerald shiner, which supports a lot of the organization. to filter out and use nutrients, removing them walleye and yellow perch populations, but we’re “We wouldn’t be able to do this work at this from the water that eventually enters the lake also seeing gobies and gizzard shad, so there scale without help from Ducks Unlimited and ecosystem. In combination, these natural are natives and invasives alike. We’re also seeing their technical expertise, and without support processes can have a significant impact on some fish that most people don’t bump into, from the refuge and from NOAA,” says Cole. nutrient loading in Lake Erie. like gar – they have that really long alligator- “I’m excited to be forming this new partnership In addition, wetlands provide great habitat looking beak – and bowfin, which is basically a with Sea Grant as well. It takes these types of for a number of organisms, from fish and birds prehistoric fish.” partnerships and teamwork to really make to plants and insects. “In my experience, when Tackling some of these concerns effectively headway in western Lake Erie. There’s a lot you restore a wetland, birds will find it right on a small scale also gives TNC the opportunity of work that needs to be done, we certainly away,” Cole says. “We’ve already seen waterfowl to evaluate their methods to address some of the couldn’t do it by ourselves, and we’re very in the parcel itself, even without having full beneficial use impairments (BUIs) associated thankful to be working with these broad groups water access. Once we get the wetland up and with the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC), of partners.” TL

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 5 OSU Climate Change by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications

All webinars are archived, along with transcripts and supporting materials, at changingclimate.osu.edu. Teachers have used them as supplemental tools in middle school, TEAM ADDS LOCAL CONTEXT TO A CHANGING CLIMATE high school and college classrooms, and other organizations’ staff members attend the webinars as part of their professional development. “Here in Minnesota, we’re using the webinars to provide current research updates,” explains Barb Liukkonen, a former Extension professor at the University of Minnesota. “The information is pertinent and timely, and by using the OSU webinars for content, we can spend time working on other aspects of climate adaptation.” The Climate Change Outreach Team also creates magazine-style fact sheets, which act as primers on some of the most anticipated webinar topics. The pieces condense complex scientific information on different aspects of climate change into easy-to-read stories that introduce readers to the most important concepts and terms for each subject. The primers have also been used in high school classrooms to prepare students for lessons, including those that are part of the Great Lakes Climate Change Curriculum, another Team- supported project. The curriculum expands on Ohio Sea Grant’s climate change education efforts, which started with Dr. Rosanne Fortner, Sea Grant’s former Education Coordinator, almost 20 years ago. The current lessons include updates to older activities— both for structure and for data content—as well as brand new lessons that teachers can use to integrate regional climate change information into Climate Change tends to pop into public conversation every their classroom. few months or so, but for Ohio State University’s Climate Change Outreach Because climate change doesn’t fit completely Team, the topic has stayed relevant since the team’s inception in 2008. into any one course traditionally taught in The group focuses on localizing climate change to Ohio and the Great middle and high schools, the lessons don’t specify a particular course of study, allowing Lakes region; by addressing the issue within a regional context, information teachers from many different disciplines to becomes more relevant to planners, managers and citizens, making it more use the activities with their classes. According likely that they will act on new knowledge. to Lyndsey Manzo, Ohio Sea Grant Educator, “climate change spans many disciplines, so “When people hear about climate change, many don’t really know how it will affect there’s value in not just teaching the science, but different aspects at home—Ohio’s agriculture, plants and animals, Lake Erie,” explains also the pedagogy: here’s the climate science, Dr. Brent Sohngen, Professor in Ohio State’s Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and here’s how you convey it to your students.” & Development Economics. “With the incredible resources we have across the university, The activities within the curriculum vary we realized we could help fill in those gaps.” from hands-on and outdoor labs to graphing and The team’s flagship project is theGlobal Change, Local Impact webinar series, which writing exercises, so teachers can find a lesson to introduces its audience to a variety of climate change issues in the Great Lakes region and fit not only the content of a particular class session, beyond. Now in its third year, the monthly series has reached 5,000 people from over 500 but also the larger skill set they need to teach their organizations through 25 webinars to date. students along with the factual information.

6 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION At right: As teachers found out during this summer’s Climate Education course at Stone Lab, climate science education doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. // At left: Warming waters will significantly impact food webs in estuaries like Old Woman Creek in Huron, Ohio. Ohio Sea Grant simulated this effect for visitors at the nature preserve’s Discovery Learning Lab, which focused on the effects of a changing climate close to home.

CLIMATE CHANGE “Here in Minnesota, we’re using the webinars to provide current research updates. The information is webinars pertinent and timely, and by using the OSU webinars for content, we can spend time working on other aspects of climate adaptation.” — BARB LIUKKONEN, FORMER EXTENSION PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA UPCOMING WEBINARS: DECEMBER 11, 2012 The Future of Energy and Climate Change Policies Bruce Braine, American Electric Power Overall feedback on the first set of lessons was positive during two teacher workshops held over the summer in Bay Village and Oregon, Ohio, JANUARY 17, 2013 where 27 classroom teachers and informal educators were able to test-drive Climate and Carbon Impacts on Productivity, Chemistry the activities before publication. A regional webinar in October reached out and Invasive Species in the Great Lakes to 109 additional educators across the Great Lakes states, and is archived at Galen McKinley, University of Wisconsin-Madison go.osu.edu/climatelessons, along with more details on the curriculum and PDF downloads of the currently available lessons. SOME OF THE MOST The Team continues to develop new materials for educators, community POPULAR PRESENTATIONS HAVE INCLUDED: planners, government officials, and the public. Field trip activities at Ohio  State’s Stone Lab will introduce the next generation of Lake Erie residents Communicating with the Public about Climate Change, presented by Dr. Teresa Myers of George Mason University (392 and researchers to climate change’s effects on the Great Lakes region, and attendees) to opportunities to mitigate and adapt to these effects. Educational displays for Stone Lab, Old Woman Creek nature preserve, and other interested Making Climate Change Data Relevant at a Local Level, partners will provide visitors with similar information. Workshops and presented by Dr. Dan Vimont of the University of Wisconsin- a webinar for stormwater professionals, organized by Old Woman Creek Madison (375 attendees) and other partners along with Ohio Sea Grant, will educate community Communicating Climate Change, presented by Dr. Erik managers about the potential for increased stormwater runoff under Nisbet of Ohio State University (353 attendees) climate change scenarios, and how they can deal with new water Climate Change & Aquatic Invaders, presented by Cindy management challenges. And the webinar series will continue to localize Kolar of the U.S. Geological Survey (324 attendees) climate change issues, taking them from abstract global concerns to local problems that will have to be addressed in the future. “For many, climate change is an issue too distant to really care about,” says Jill Jentes Banicki, Ohio Sea Grant’s Assistant Director and one of the team’s coordinators. “But the moment people hear what could happen to their FIND OUT MORE All of the Team’s materials on health, food supply, and ecosystems—things that will directly affect them— climate change in the Great Lakes region, including climate change doesn’t seem so remote.” information on upcoming webinars and Great Lakes The OSU Climate Change Outreach Team is a partnership among Climate Change Curriculum activities, are available at multiple departments within Ohio State University, including Ohio Sea changingclimate.osu.edu. Grant, OSU Extension, the Department of Agricultural, Environmental & Development Economics, Byrd Polar Research Center, and the School of Environment & Natural Resources. TL

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 7 a season of impact STONE LAB OUTREACH EVENTS DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING OF LAKE ERIE’S IMPORTANCE

by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications

More information about public Stone Lab events is always available at stonelab.osu.edu/events.

Stone Laboratory continues to build its reputation as an educational facility and as a research base, offering classes, workshops, and research space to 250 students and scientists from across the Great Lakes each year.

However, Ohio State’s Island Campus on Lake Erie also acts as Ohio Sea Grant’s Above: Roger Knight (right) of the Ohio Department of outreach facility, where policy makers, journalists, and the public can learn about Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, was presented with a Superior Leadership award for his dedicated work in the lake’s role in the region’s economic and environmental health. managing a healthy Lake Erie fishery at the science writer’s In addition to countless tours and record attendance at 2012’s summer classes, workshop. // At right: OSU President’s Club members get the lab hosted 17 outreach events that gave staff a chance to show off their work to a close look at Lake Erie water snakes during their visit to politicians, science writers, environmental leaders, and influential donors. “I would Stone Lab. Dr. Kristin Stanford (right), the lab’s Education & Outreach Coordinator, played an essential role in the call it an unusually good year for us,” says Dr. Jeff Reutter, Director of Ohio Sea recovery of this rare species. Grant & Stone Lab. Getting Lake Erie information out to the public, in as many venues as possible, is a large part of Ohio Sea Grant’s efforts. To further this goal, science writers and events also targeted decision makers in the journalists from across the Great Lakes region were invited to attend a two-day Great Lakes region directly. Collaboration workshop at Stone Lab that helped them learn more about the lake ecosystem, with the Natural Resources Conservation including harmful algal blooms and Lake Erie water snakes. Services (NRCS), a division of the USDA, “When you get 14 outstanding journalists, science writers, television brought influential members of the reporters, and radio people up there, you get lots of coverage of the issues,” farming community in Ohio, Indiana, explains Reutter. “And writers from the Toledo Blade or the Cleveland Plain and Michigan to Gibraltar Island, where Dealer, if they put together a story about an issue, they’re going to reach a lot they discussed farming’s contribution to more people than one of our publications.” phosphorus loading, harmful algal blooms, Reaching those who can help spread the Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab message and potential ways to mitigate problems was also one goal of Retreat on the Rock, a two-day conference for Ohio State without damaging agriculture, a major University communications professionals. Representatives from 32 departments industry in Lake Erie’s western watershed. and three regional campuses met at Stone Lab to discuss marketing opportunities “The idea was to help people understand across the university, learn about new technologies to enhance current campaigns, what the problem is, think about ways to and of course get a taste of Lake Erie science with island tours and a research cruise. minimize or eliminate it, and get them to take “We want to give them a great place to hold a conference for their own work, action so hopefully they can be examples to where they can be secluded and eliminate some of the barriers that might exist other farmers,” says Reutter. on campus,” Reutter says. “They stay overnight, they eat their meals together, Encouraging new ways of thinking about and it’s a great place for them to develop relationships that should be beneficial environmental protection was also the focus to OSU. Also, it’s great to have these experts see how students and faculty of a meeting of The Nature Conservancy within their departments could incorporate Stone Lab courses and research (TNC), a worldwide non-governmental opportunities into their curricula.” organization dedicated to protecting and In addition to those who can share information about Lake Erie, outreach restoring critical habitat and improving

8 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION This year, Stone Lab showed off its work to a new group of potential supporters— members of Ohio State University’s President’s Club, the university’s premier donor society.

biodiversity and environmental health. Board made possible with a grant from the Joyce “We wanted to create a unique way to thank of Trustees members from Ohio, Michigan, Foundation, but donations of any size are an supporters of the university with a partnership and Indiana—all states within the Lake important part of the lab’s budget. To say “thank between Stone Lab and the President’s Club,” Erie and Maumee River watershed—met you” to some of the most generous Stone Lab explains Amanda Smith, Assistant Director to discuss a strategy for becoming more donors, the staff hosted 39 supporters at the of Development in the College of Food, influential on environmental policies, in annual Donor Dinner on Gibraltar Island, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, who addition to TNC’s land preservation mission. where guests were able to see the renovations initiated the event along with Cheryl Sefchick, “The organization is trying to improve that have happened over the past year, enjoy a Director of President’s Club Services in the the environment, and preserving land is a meal in the Dining Hall, and meet with staff in Office of University Development. “Our wonderful way to do it and will always be part person to talk about Ohio Sea Grant and Stone President’s Club members are also some of of their mission,” Reutter, who is a member Lab’s work along the Lake Erie coast. Ohio State’s greatest ambassadors. They exhibit of the Ohio Board, explains. “But a lot of This year, Stone Lab also had the chance spirit for and pride in our university. Sharing times they can have a much greater impact by to show off its work to a new group of with them Ohio State’s ‘hidden gem,’ Stone Lab, encouraging, modifying, or implementing a potential supporters. Members of Ohio State gave them one more point of pride and one policy.” This is especially applicable along the University’s President’s Club, the university’s more reason to love Ohio State.” Maumee, where agricultural fertilizer use has a premier donor society, visited South Bass In addition to targeted outreach events, major impact on the Lake Erie ecosystem, and and Gibraltar Islands for the first time to Stone Lab’s Annual Open House provides policy makers have to consider both economic learn about Stone Lab, meet some of the Put-in-Bay visitors with free tours of Ohio and environmental consequences when students, and take a science cruise onto Lake Sea Grant’s facilities on South Bass and developing regulations. Erie. While the visit was initially planned as Gibraltar Island, and introduces them to Lake Of course, Stone Lab couldn’t operate a one-time event, interest was so great that Erie science and education. This year’s event without funding from a variety of sources. a second date was added to accommodate totaled 900 visitors; the next Open House is Many of this year’s outreach events were more visitors, 140 in all. already set for September 7, 2013. TL

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 9 NANOTECHNOLOGY SERIES Part 1 of the Nanotechnology Series is available online: go.osu.edu/nanosilver

SILVER NANOPARTICLES EXHIBIT UNEXPECTED STRANGE BEHAVIOR WHEN THEY ENTER NATURAL WATERS

by Christina Dierkes, solutions Ohio Sea Grant Communications ew materials like nanoparticles open up exciting opportunities for manufacturing companies, from construction supplies to medical N innovations. But they also raise environmental concerns when they could enter rivers, streams, or the Great Lakes after their initial purpose is completed.

Dr. John Lenhart and Dr. Harold Walker of Ohio State University’s Department of Civil, Environmental, & Geodetic Engineering, along with graduate student Xuan Li, recently completed a project examining the fate of silver nanoparticles, often used in commercial products because silver acts as an effective antimicrobial agent. When those particles enter natural waters, such as rivers or a Great Lake, the silver can either aggregate (or clump together) and settle into the sediment, where it would affect bottom-dwelling organisms; or it can stay suspended in the water column, where it would slowly dissolve and release toxic silver ions into the water. Nanoparticles are characterized by their size of less than 100 nanometers (nm) across. With an average diameter of 10-20 nm, manmade nanoparticles are about ten thousand times smaller than a grain of sand, but these miniature structures have huge potential in commercial applications. Nanosilver is included in some plastic food storage containers to reduce bacterial contamination, and clothing manufacturers might include the particles in their textiles because the silver can reduce odor-causing bacteria—of those textiles, shoes and socks make up the largest part. Nanosilver also has a range of medical applications—surgical instruments, implants, and even bandages—where its antimicrobial properties can help prevent infections. “In terms of the number of products, nanosilver is used more than pretty much any other manmade nanomaterial right now,” Lenhart says. This also means it’s the most likely nanomaterial to enter waterways and interact with the larger ecosystem, making knowledge of what happens to the particles in that system important. In any setting where researchers are studying the behavior of new materials, they first have to understand how the material acts in a well-controlled environment. In this project, that meant examining the particles’ behavior in pure water samples to see if and how quickly the silver either dissolved or settled out of solution (see Part 1). The observations were repeated in The precipitate that forms when nanosilver dissolves in the water samples that contained known concentrations of salts that can also be present in nature presence of chloride ions makes it look like the particles have to see whether the ions produced by dissolving salts have an impact on nanosilver behavior. melted together.

“We found that the counter-ion—like chloride ions from sodium chloride—can bind the For more information about this Ohio Sea Grant-sponsored dissolving silver ions from the nanoparticles and precipitate them back onto the surface,” project, contact Dr. Lenhart at [email protected] or explains Walker, who now works at Stony Brook University. “What really showed this very Dr. Walker at [email protected]. clearly were some pictures that Xuan took of the nanoparticle aggregates that showed that they weren’t just individual round particles anymore, but particles stuck together by what appeared

10 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION to be silver chloride, a precipitate that forms nanosilver manufacturing process; sodium “Aggregation appears to slow down that during the reaction.” dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which allows liquids and dissolution process,” says Walker. “When those This finding implies that certain dissolved solids to mix more readily and is often used in particles are clumped together, it appears that minerals might reduce the amount of silver ions detergents; and polysorbate 20, usually referred they just can’t dissolve as readily. We don’t that enter the aquatic ecosystem. These ions to by its brand name Tween 20 and used to know exactly why, but the particles that are in give silver its antimicrobial properties, and are keep particles suspended in solution to make the inner part of the aggregate don’t have as known to be toxic to many aquatic organisms. them easier to work with. much contact with the water, so that probably Silver that instead aggregates and settles into Under ideal lab conditions, the citrate influences the dissolution process.” the sediment can affect bottom-dwelling and SDS did not change particle behavior Tween 20 stabilizes the individual particles organisms, and become a longer-term source of in a meaningful way, and the silver would in suspension—Walker compares it to a Teflon silver ions, because the particles dissolve more aggregate and settle out of solution. However, coating—and prevents them from sticking slowly in the low-oxygen environment often the Tween-coated molecules stayed in solution together. This allows the silver to dissolve present in river and lake sediments. much longer than uncoated particles, and in much more readily, making the Tween-coated “The mechanisms are still much more the presence of nitrate salts, they never actually particles of particular environmental concern complicated than we thought,” says Lenhart. “It aggregated. Nitrate is created by some aquatic because of the silver ions’ toxicity to aquatic turns out that silver in a particle form is much organisms through reactions with atmospheric microorganisms. more reactive than a lot of particles that we nitrogen, and while it’s less common in While the researchers weren’t able to use have dealt with in the past.” freshwater than chloride, it can still be present. Lake Erie water samples in the final phase of Much of that reactivity can be linked to The researchers are unsure why the various the project, they substituted samples from different coating layers that are applied to salts had different effects on the particles, but the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers, and added industrial silver nanoparticles to give them nanosilver that stays suspended indefinitely a source of artificial sunlight to determine the specific properties. The researchers investigated instead of aggregating has more time to effect of light on particle behavior. Silver is a three coatings: citrate, which is used in the dissolve, adding silver ions to the environment. photosensitive element that was used in early black and white photography, and the presence of light speeds up any reactions in which silver is involved. The Tween-coated particles continued to resist aggregation, and visibly reduced in size over time when light was present, suggesting that sunlight would speed up dissolution and the addition of silver ions to the surrounding water. The uncoated and citrate-coated particles, on the other hand, aggregated almost immediately in the freshwater samples, and would most likely settle out of the water column and into the sediment if they entered natural systems. “There are a couple of things that we can take from this,” Lenhart summarizes. “The particles are designed to be antimicrobial agents, and in many cases, if the particles are tailored to do this by adhering to a surface like a wound dressing, those particles probably won’t go very far in a natural system because they’re not going to stay suspended. They would end up being deposited in the sediment, where that silver can subsequently be released John Lenhart, Reprinted with permission from “Dissolution-Accompanied Aggregation Kinetics of Silver Nanoparticles,” Nanoparticles,” Silver of Kinetics Aggregation “Dissolution-Accompanied from Society. permission Chemical with American Reprinted 2010, Lenhart, Copyright John 16690–16698. 26(22), 2010, Langmuir in published to organisms living in that environment. And particles that were specifically tailored to stay The research implies that certain dissolved minerals suspended could affect a different population of might reduce the amount of silver ions that enter organisms in the ecosystem.” More research is needed to determine exactly how those effects the aquatic ecosystem. These ions give silver its would play out, but the researchers’ current antimicrobial properties, and are known to be toxic results do suggest that nanosilver could be of to many aquatic organisms. environmental concern in the future. TL

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 11 12

TWINE fact-checking B was a welcome bit of relief, and the key point issomewhat the model larger was accurate,” than predicted, Reutterthe bloom says. was still in2007andlast seen about one-tenth70% sizeof the 2011bloom. the While it was smaller than last year. “It lake, things were looking really good for the summer.” to let people know that, based on phosphorus loading and concentrationsGrant & Stone in theLab’s Director, says. “The rationale behind the press conference was prediction successful the and to next ahead looks year. Laboratory. Now, with 2012HABs the over, season Dr. JeffReutter reflects on forecast for at western Erie Lake apress event at Ohio State University’s Stone prepare for impacts in advance instead of reacting as the bloomforecast happens. the HAB’s severity allows community officialsuse and with tourism high toxin managers levels to and unpleasant floating blue-green algae. Being able to can grow in Lake Erie. during rainstorms, tends to be the nutrient that determines containedhow much in many agricultural fertilizers and manure, and increasesenters the the lake cost as of runoff water treatment by about $3,000 per day.the liver toxin Phosphorus, microcystin. The toxin which can be removedis from drinking water,produce can alga—that but blue-green called commonly cyanobacterium—more by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications THE FORECAST LINE turns outtohave beenhighlyaccurate July’s harmfulalgalbloomsforecast Harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie most often consist of of consist often most Erie Lake in blooms algal Harmful The forecast predicted a mild bloom for the western basin, similar to conditions “I would say that we were right on with what we tried to do,” Reutter, Ohio Sea “The idea of the forecast was that, if people knew what to expect, we wouldn’t Microcystis

2012 (NCCOS) issued the first-ever seasonal harmful algal algal issuedbloom (HAB) first-ever(NCCOS) the seasonal harmful Science Ocean Coastal for Administration’sCenters National ack inJuly, scientists from National the &Atmospheric Oceanic  can also severely reduce tourism income, limiting recreational water FALL/WINTER Above: EDITION NOAA satellite images from 2004 (top) and 2011 (bottom) show the extent of each year’s HAB in green. The 2012 bloom was similar in size to 2004. Microcystis Microcystis , a ,

Heidelberg University, and University the targeted sampling effortsfrom StoneLab, oceanographer Dr. Richard Stumpf, and NCCOS by together put modeling, computer NOAA of combination the be nowhere near as bad.” know that it looked like 2012 was going to have that press conference, to let people disenchanted. That was why we wanted to August and September of 2011 were pretty Reutter explains. “People that came up in on what had happened the previous year,” have a negative impact on tourism based another bad bloom.” spring of 2013 is a wet spring, we’ll have important as ever,” Reutter cautions. “If the to reduce that phosphorus loading are as runoff into the western basin, and efforts of the Midwest, which significantly reduced part due to the drought that affected most is not gone. 2012’s mild bloom was in large those blooms.” with a better understanding of what’s causing County and gather data there to come up research boat down or to Lake Ashtabula we’ll prepared be also to atrailerable take “If we get another bloom in the central basin, unable to provide in the past,” Reutter says. basin, and Sandusky Bay, which we’ve been islands, the western portion of the central concentrations in and around the Lake Erie of Toledo. Water Quality Research and the University Heidelberg University’s National Center for lab along with continued partnerships with 2013 to include Stone Lab’s new water quality for future passes. to help better them calibrate satellite their points Lakespecific Erie’s in westernbasin, NOAA could request samples at taken of Toledo. on satellite Based images, The forecast’s accuracy came from came forecast’s The accuracy “And the fact is that the HABs problem “We’ll be able to provide phosphorus The collaboration will be expanded in TL In the Lab: Fluorimeters are used to determine how much Spiese’s compound fluoresces when added to a water sample. Phosphate content can then be calculated from the measured light intensity. // Inset: A Model of the Detection Reagent

phosphorus A new testing method could make phosphorus impdetectionroving monitoring cheaper and faster by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications

hosphorus is almost always at the forefront of concerns about the health of arsenate. “We got down to the point where we Lake Erie and its tributaries. Watershed managers never stop searching for were struggling to find compounds that would actually interfere,” Spiese says. ways to reduce phosphorus input into the ecosystem, but they also need to P In addition to the new compound’s specificity, be able to monitor those nutrient levels easily and cost-effectively to report on their the method is much cheaper than the traditional progress and address worsening conditions as soon as possible. test—the first batch of reagent has lasted for almost a year, and the ingredients, according to Dr. Chris Spiese of Ohio Northern University bind to the metal and give the compound its Spiese, are “dirt cheap.” Once the testing protocol (ONU) is working on the development of fluorescent properties. After some trial and is perfected and published, Spiese will turn it over just this kind of rapid phosphate detection— error, the researchers settled not on the initial to the Ohio EPA, who then decides whether it phosphate is the most common form of compound, which contained a central cerium wants to adopt the new method. The researchers phosphorus in the environment, and most of ion, but on a related molecule that includes expect to submit a journal article outlining their that phosphate comes from agricultural runoff. europium, which fluoresces when phosphate procedure in early summer of 2013. Funded by an Ohio Sea Grant development is present in a sample. Along with the lab work, Spiese is taking grant, Spiese and undergraduate student Joanne “We’ve gotten to the point where we can the project one step further, and plans to Berry are testing variations of a novel reagent first get the same response each time, which is involve volunteers from the Blanchard River published in 2011 that quickly forms a yellow- what we always look for,” says Spiese, Assistant Watershed Partnership and local high schools green fluorescent compound in the presence of Professor in ONU’s Department of Chemistry in a one-day sampling effort across the phosphate. That fluorescence can be detected & Biochemistry. “We know if fluorescence goes Blanchard River watershed in late March or with standard lab equipment, and forms the up by 500 fluorescence units, we have this much early April. Volunteers will take samples across basis of a promising new testing method. phosphate every time. So we’ve managed to the watershed, which runs from southeastern “The traditional detection method for optimize how we’re doing the measurements, Hardin County, near Kenton, up to the city of phosphate is kind of cumbersome,” explains and we’ve tested the compound and found that Findlay and west to Ottawa, where it enters the Spiese, adding that each sample can cost about $50 very few things interact.” Maumee River watershed via the Auglaize River. to test. “There’s a three-reagent mixture that you Eliminating interference from other Those samples will then be collected at central have to make up very precisely, it’s not especially ions usually present in water samples is an locations throughout the area and brought back shelf stable so you have to constantly remake important step in developing new testing to Spiese’s lab at ONU for testing using both the reagent, and so our goal was to find a better, faster, methods. Spiese and Berry were able to rule traditional technique and the faster, more cheaper method of measuring phosphate.” out interference from organic acids found cost-effective method. Spiese and Berry created six different analogs in most natural waters, from major ions like “Our goal is to get sampling all along that of the compound presented in the 2011 research, carbonate, sulfate, and chloride, and from watershed, and interface with local schools and all based on the same structure of a metal ion two compounds that can interfere with the community to really get them involved, surrounded by large organic molecules that the traditional testing method, silicate and to get the students exposed to doing real environmental research,” says Spiese. “It’s going TL For more information about this project, contact Dr. Spiese at [email protected]. to be a blast if we can recruit enough people.”

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 13 Mercury Monitoring at

by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications

ake Erie water snake recovery. Harmful algal bloom forecasts and monitoring. A water quality lab ready to open this spring. Ohio Sea Grant’s Stone Laboratory plays a role in many high-profile environmental protection efforts along Lake Erie’s western basin, but one of its smaller projects hasn’t gotten much attention yet.

Stone Lab Manager Matt Thomas and Assistant Manager Kevin Hart are maintaining a long- term data collection and monitoring station measuring atmospheric mercury. This program is funded by the Ohio EPA, who will use the data. The analyzer unit was installed at Stone Lab’s Research Building on South Bass Island in November 2011. “The analyzer unit, made by Tekran Instrument Corporation, is one of only 22 active units of its kind in North America,” explains Hart. “Two are located in Ohio, one here at Stone Laboratory and the other at Ohio University in Athens.” According to the EPA, mercury is naturally found in certain rocks, including coal. Coal- The outside monitoring station on South Bass Island. burning power plants account for about 50 percent of human-caused mercury emissions in the United States. Burning hazardous waste, spilled mercury, and the improper disposal of products that contain mercury—such as compact fluorescent “energy saver” light bulbs—can also release mercury into the environment. monitoring effort runs continuously year-round. Long term exposure to mercury can affect the nervous system, brain, heart, kidney, and Great Lakes states and the northeastern lungs. While airborne mercury concentrations are usually too small to have direct health US have been especially concerned about impacts, mercury eventually settles out of the air and into water, either directly or as runoff mercury pollution, and continue to lead from surrounding land. There it accumulates in food fish and other aquatic organisms and efforts to identify and pursue ways to reduce can eventually become a health risk. Ultimately, monitoring efforts like the station at Stone and prevent mercury emissions. Throughout Lab are an important first step in limiting mercury emissions before the toxin can become the US, the Clean Air Act governs emissions part of the food chain. limits, but states have the option to adopt more The analyzer collects data on three forms of mercury: pure, oxidized, and bound to other stringent regulations, either individually or in particles in the air, Hart says. Data from the unit is sent to Ohio EPA daily via cellular link. This collaboration with neighboring states. TL

14 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION A TMO S P H N D E R A IC IC A N D A M E I C N O I S

L T

A R

N A T

O

I

I

O

T

N A N

U E .S . C D R E E P M A M R T O 2013 SUMMER COURSES M E N T O F C

INTRODUCTORY COURSES One-Week Courses – 2 credits The courses listed to the right are one-week • ENR 2360 Ecology and Conservation of Birds ...... June 9–June 15 courses running Sunday–Saturday and are • EEOB 1930 Introduction to Biological Studies – Aquatic Biology ...... June 9–June 15 open to advanced high school and current • EDUPAES 1140.05 Lake Erie Sport Fishing ...... June 9–June 15 college students. • EARTHSC 1107 Field-Based Introduction to Oceanography ...... July 21–July 27 • EEOB 1930 Introduction to Biological Studies – Aquatic Biology ...... July 21–July 27 • EEOB 1930 Introduction to Biological Studies – Aquatic Biology .....July 28–August 3 • EEOB 1910 Introduction to Biological Studies – Local Plants ...... July 28–August 3 • ENTMLGY 1260 Introductory Insect Field Biology ...... July 28–August 3

UPPER-LEVEL COURSES Five-Week Courses – 4 credits Open to college students who are studying • EEOB 5420 Aquatic Ecosystems – Ecology of Inland Waters ...... June 16–July 20 biological sciences, education, and natural • ENR 5699 Current Topics in Environment and Engineering ...... June 16–July 20 resources, as well as science teachers. • EEOB 3410 Ecology ...... June 16–July 20 • EEOB 3310 Evolution ...... June 16–July 20 • EEOB 5940 Field Zoology ...... June 16–July 20 • EEOB 5930 Ichthyology ...... June 16–July 20

One-Week Courses – 2 credits • EEOB 5910 Field Herpetology ...... June 9–June 15 • EEOB 5210 Spider Biology ...... June 9–June 15 • EEOB 4950 Field Ecology ...... July 21–July 27 • ENR 5194 Group Studies: Climate and Sustainability ...... July 28–August 3

Other Courses • EEOB 5970 Larval Fish Identification Workshop ...... July 14, .5 credit, 1 day • EEOB 5950 Algae Identification Workshop ...... August 5–August 6, .5 credit, 2 days • EEOB 3189 Field Course: Environmental Science...... May 18–June 7, 2 credits, 3 weeks on the Flagship Brig Niagara

NON-CREDIT WORKSHOPS • Larval Fish Identification Workshop ...... July 14 Non-credit workshop courses last one to three • Algae Identification Workshop ...... August 5–August 6 days and are open to the public. Participants • Dealing with Cyanobacteria, Algal Toxins and ...... August 7–August 8 must be at least 18 years of age and have Taste & Odor Compounds completed high school. • Fish-Sampling Techniques Workshop ...... September 14–September 15 • Lake Erie Sport Fishing Workshop...... September 20–September 22 • Outdoor Photography Workshop ...... August 9–August 11

SCIENCE COURSES FOR EDUCATORS One-Week Courses – 2 credits Classes are open to classroom teachers, non- • EARTHSC 5189.05 Geologic Setting of Lake Erie ...... June 7–June 13 formal educators, and education majors with a • ENR 5611 Great Lakes Education ...... July 21–July 27 rank of junior or above by the class date. • EEOB 4950 Field Ecology ...... July 21–July 27 • ENR 5194 Group Studies: Climate and Sustainability ...... July 28–August 3 • EARTHSC 5584 Principles of Oceanography for Educators ...... July 28–August 3

REU PROGRAM • Reproductive biology of the round goby (Ichthyology) Expand your research skills with Stone Lab’s • Distribution and ecology of crayfish (Ecology) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) • Survival rates of birds of the Lake Erie Islands (Ornithology) Scholarship Program. Students spend their non- • Fisheries techniques: research and fish survey development (Fisheries Management) class days working one-on-one with research • Lake Erie Water Snake field and laboratory research (Herpetology) supervisors, collecting data, analyzing discoveries, • Exploration of Lake Erie nutrient loading, hypoxic events (the “dead zone”), and harmful algal and preparing a final presentation. blooms (Limnology)

Course credits are based on the TUITION ASSISTANCE AND JOBS Ohio State University semester All students taking for-credit courses are eligible for scholarship funds, which typically range from $100 to $2,500. credit system and are transferable Students enrolled in five-week courses can also apply for Stone Lab’s part-time positions or find jobs at local to most colleges and universities. Put-in-Bay businesses. For more information, visit stonelab.osu.edu/applynow.

For applications, go to stonelab.osu.edu or call 614.292.8949

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 15

VODE7ULIROGLQGG $0 by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications Supporting Students, HONORING MEMORIES

tone Lab students come from all walks their first taste of Lake Erie science. of life, and while many of them spend “The endowment I established to honor their first summer on Gibraltar Island my father’s memory will continue to make

during high school or college, some a positive contribution to Stone Laboratory Arley Duff Blankenship grew up in West Virginia as an don’t make it to the island until they’re adults. and to The Ohio State University long after avid outdoorsman, and actively participated in natural Even then, living and learning so close to I’m gone,” Bailey, FOSL’s current Treasurer, resource education throughout his lifetime. Lake Erie can make a deep impression, and explains. “I am certain that there are really students often become vocal supporters great students with amazing minds that are of Ohio Sea Grant’s teaching and research inhibited by their circumstances. Money Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab. programs at the Lab. is such a stupid reason to not maximize an Stone Lab donors can choose to give to Lydia Bailey went one step further: after education, so I do the best I can to create and a large number of different endowments. spending a few weeks at Stone Lab for promote quality educational opportunities, Scholarship funds for high school, undergraduate classes, she recognized the and I hope to inspire others to do the same.” undergraduate and graduate students value of the program and wanted to make Since its establishment in 2010, the allow future Lake Erie scientists to spend a lasting contribution. She made a seed Blankenship Memorial Fund has supported time on Gibraltar Island instead of having donation while she was still a student herself, 11 students, allowing them to experience to work a summer job. Funds for visiting and began working with the Friends of Stone the hands-on, in-the-field science Stone Lab professorships ensure that some of the most Laboratory (FOSL) and both private and has been known for since Ohio State started prominent Lake Erie researchers can mentor corporate donors to establish a permanent offering classes there in 1900. students in classes and on research projects. endowment in honor of her father, Arley “While taking courses at Stone Lab is often And funds like the Stone Lab Annual Duff Blankenship. The endowment supports a life-changing and unsurpassed experience, Fund ensure that buildings and research scholarships for students taking introductory many of our students, including myself, equipment are up-to-date to support the courses at Stone Lab, with preference given would have been unable to attend without a teaching and cutting edge research going on to students from Appalachia wanting to get scholarship,” says Dr. Jeff Reutter, Director of at Stone Lab every season. While the Friends of Stone Lab and other generous donors work tirelessly to raise funds for all of these endeavors, making that money work as hard as possible is central to Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab’s management of available assets. “Any donor can rest assured that money given to Stone Lab will be well used and efficiently allocated,” says Bailey. “Not only does Jeff Reutter do a great job of taking my $1 donation and leveraging it against grants and matching donations to turn it into $4, but then he makes deals and enters joint venture projects to get $10 of equipment or scholarship value out of my single $1. I don’t even know how to calculate how much comes back to the Lydia Bailey (right, with Ricky Herdendorf) State of Ohio in terms of increased tourism at the South Bass Island Lighthouse during or improved natural resources.” And the the annual Stone Lab Donor Dinner. Bailey has been Treasurer for the Friends of Stone memories students are able to make during Laboratory since 2002. their Stone Lab summer will likely become equally valuable to their future. TL

More information on how to support Stone Lab’s research, education, and outreach efforts on Lake Erie is available at stonelab.osu.edu/fosl/give. You can also contact the Friends of Stone Lab at [email protected] with additional questions.

16 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

by Christina Dierkes, Ohio Sea Grant Communications

Trying Out “I’ll be honest: once I knew I learned in the classroom to all of was finally accepted, I was quite the different locations we visited.” COLLEGE LIFE nervous about jumping into a That first week at Stone Lab college class with a whole bunch of also confirmed a possible career s a kid, Jack Gaskins spent many a summer at his family’s college students,” Jack remembers. choice for Jack: “Stone Lab was house on Middle Bass Island, enjoying the Lake Erie shore “It was no walk in the park, by an excellent learning experience. and venturing across to the other islands with his parents. A any means, probably the most In the end, I really see myself Of course, South Bass was a frequent stop for meals, tours, and other challenging class I have ever taken.” continuing on the path of aquatic adventures, so Stone Lab was a familiar sight at Put-in-Bay. However, as with most Stone biology and fisheries solely “The Lab always sparked an interest in me, being an avid fisherman, Lab classes, the camaraderie because of this class.” with its marine environment and background,” Jack says. “But this past between students and with the class In fact, he is now applying spring, I started doing some research out of curiosity, and I learned instructor made that challenge to colleges that would allow there was more to the Lab than just research by professionals. I had no a fun one, instead of becoming him to do just that. “I’d like to clue there were college courses being taught, guest speakers lecturing, overwhelming. “We all worked stay in state, so I’ve applied to and much more happening on that little island.” together when something needed several schools—Ohio State, After that discovery, the senior at Tippecanoe High School decided figured out, and Dr. Winslow was Bowling Green, and Miami. And that a class at Stone Lab would be a good way to get a taste of college life, always willing to help or answer with those schools in mind, I’m and Introduction to Aquatic Biology seemed like a great class to find any questions you might have had. considering going into Aquatic out if the field was a good fit for him as a potential college major. He knew his stuff, interacted with Biology so I can help improve the the class, and he made it very fun Great Lakes, and specifically Lake and entertaining.” Erie, to help keep out invasive “I’ll be honest: once I knew I And of course, the outdoor species like Asian Carp.” was finally accepted, I was quite aspects of a Stone Lab class help And even if it’s not through a to keep things interesting. “The career in aquatic biology, Jack wants nervous about jumping into a class was nothing like a regular to stay near the water. “I’m also college class with a whole bunch class,” Jack says. “There was some interested in Naval Architecture lecturing, but there were more and Marine Engineering so I could of college students.” hands-on field trips and labs someday design the hulls for larger that really kept my interest. It vessels, like freighters.” FOSL JACK GASKINS was a great way to apply what we

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 17 foslUPDATE Friends Of Stone Laboratory

friends, Dear The skies of fall remind us that soon the winter winds will be blowing across our lake. This is a good time to reflect on the many wonderful happenings at the lab this year. The mission of FOSL is to provide support to the lab through fundraising, volunteerism and to promote goodwill in the community. We also aid in recruiting students and by being an alumni association for past students.

Through the collective efforts of many people, the Ohio Sea Grant College Program and FOSL currently have 20 completed endowments and several under development Stone Lab Open House/FOSL Annual Meeting that produce income to support the Laboratory. Classes The morning of September 8 did not look favorable for the annual Open House. It was were well attended with a record 242 students and the cold, cloudy, windy, and rainy. Not the conditions that you would pick for a successful Friends were able to support 10 REUs this year. Through event. However, the weather spirits acquiesced late in the morning and the Open House the scholarships we were able to provide, 72 students were still attracted close to record numbers of visitors. Over 900 people took the opportunity able to either start or continue on the path to becoming to tour Gibraltar Island, South Bass Island Lighthouse, and the Aquatic Visitors Center. bright stars in education and research. There have been This outreach effort is remarkable in the amount of goodwill generated and the quality many improvements made to the Lab; if you have not visited of responses and interest expressed by the people who attend. recently, I hope you are able to come in the spring and see the fantastic renovations made to the Research Building. Later in the day, FOSL held their annual membership and business meeting. Brief summaries of the past year’s activities and accomplishments were given by the various Even though the weather was not on our side for the Open staff administrators. Awards were given to Kelly Dress, Al Duff, and Eugene Braig in House, we still hosted 900 volunteers and guests. This year, recognition of their long term support for the program. The new slate of officers and board FOSL also participated in a new endeavor on the island. members were put in place before the members adjourned for an enjoyable evening. With our funds we purchased 120 flares that lit up the bay in commemoration of the bicentennial celebration of Perry’s The entirety of the shoreline of Put-in-Bay was later set ablaze in the first ever Lights victory. It was great to participate and to show that we are of Peace Illumination to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie part of the South Bass community. during the War of 1812. Red flares were placed all around the shoreline of the bay, including Gibraltar Island, and made for a very impressive visual spectacle. Next year The IHOP was our most successful ever. We had so many volunteers that we ran out of bed space and had to turn will mark the 200th anniversary of Commander Perry’s victory and it is planned for people away. Thank you all who donated your time and another such illumination. Pictures of the illumination can be found on the Ohio Sea FOSL talents, and a special thanks to Karen Jennings who Grant Flickr page at flic.kr/s/aHsjC6iG3z. coordinated the event. ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTION Before I close, I want to mention the Silent Auction on Jan 30. We hope you can join us in this chance to catch Dr. David Culver, Professor Emeritus at OSU and a former Stone Lab limnology professor up with folks and to further what we are able to support and advisor for many of our students, has contributed $5,000 to the Stone Lab Annual through your generous donations. A list of the funds that Fund (acct # 308272), where the funds will be used to support and enhance our workshop support our mission is available at go.osu.edu/donate. and field trip program for students from grade 4 to college. We are trying to match his gift by our Annual Winter Program on January 30. This is a great opportunity to support a Sincerely, worthy cause and get $2 of impact per dollar donated! Sheila Lewicki, FOSL President

18 TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION The Friends of Stone Laboratory (FOSL) began in 1981 as a support group to “bring Stone Laboratory into the 21st century with the best possible facilities, equipment, and professors, and make this an unequaled learning experience available to all outstanding students.” Members of the Friends provide a way for former students to support the facility by raising awareness and funds for scholarships, research, and equipment.

FOSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS F.T. STONE LABORATORY FIELD STATION Sheila Lewicki, President The Ohio State University FOSL Ken Scott, Vice President PO Box 119, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 Joan Bradley, Secretary 419.285.1800, 614.247.6500, Fax 614.247.6578, stonelab.osu.edu Lydia Bailey, Treasurer Tracey Meilander, Past President Dates to Remember STONE LAB STAFF January 30, 2013 Annual Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Lab Winter Program Longaberger Alumni BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Jeffrey M. Reutter, Director ([email protected]) House, Ohio State Main Campus Laura Rufenacht Dr. Chris Winslow, Assistant Director ([email protected]) Angela Greene Dr. Kristin Stanford, Lab Outreach Coordinator ([email protected]) September 6-8, 2013 Annual Stone Lab Open House Charlene Prochazka Matt Thomas, Laboratory Manager ([email protected]) September 27-29, 2013 John Crites Student Reunion, Stone Lab Tyler Lawson Arleen Pineda, Program Coordinator ([email protected]) October 4-6, 2013 Buckeye Island HOP, Stone Lab Perry Orndorff Kelly Dress, Business Office Manager [email protected]( ) Laura Yamsek Justin Chaffin, Research Coordinator [email protected]( )

11th Buckeye Island Hop

This year’s Buckeye Island Hop saw many “firsts”. First, the OSU Retirees Association was a new co-sponsor along with the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Society and FOSL. Second, we had to turn away volunteers for the first time because the demand for housing unfortunately exceeded supply. Fifty-seven volunteers and about 15 staff participated. About half of the volunteers were attending for the first time. Third, volunteers “hopped” to Middle Bass Island for the first time in our event history.

On Middle Bass, the campground at the State Park was cleaned up and native trees (oak, hickory, sycamore, etc.) were planted at East Point Preserve, which is part of the Black Swamp Conservancy. Fifty-seven volunteers More landscaping, weeding, and general clean up were done on and about 15 staff South Bass Island at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, South participated in this year’s Bass Island State Park, and Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. Numerous projects were done for the University on Buckeye Island Hop. South Bass, including painting, staining, and carpet cleaning. One of the more unusual tasks was tagging Monarch butterflies at the year’s building renovations with both before and after pictures to monarch way station by the Lighthouse. show the major improvements. Some folks went over to South Bass for the evening while some stayed for a bonfire on the On Gibraltar Island, a variety of jobs were tackled, including shoreline. On Sunday morning a football trivia contest was part cleaning out the basement of Cooke Castle and the upstairs of of the breakfast fare. For instance, did you know Knute Rockne the Dining Hall, swapping the original 1920s single beds in Stone perfected the forward pass while life guarding on the beach at Cottage with modern double beds, power washing buildings, and Cedar Point? After breakfast some volunteers took a “Tweets and constructing and installing storage shelves in the Dining Hall. Treats” walking tour highlighting Gibraltar fauna and flora.

The weather was a beautiful fall day which allowed for an outdoor Many thanks to all the volunteers and particularly to the Stone reception on the patio, photos at the dock, and a perch dinner. Lab staff who helped organize the logistics and also worked to In the evening, Matt Thomas presented an update about the past make this an incredibly successful weekend. FOSL

TWINELINE 2012 FALL/WINTER EDITION 19 Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory Non-Profit Org. The Ohio State University U.S. Postage 1314 Kinnear Road PAID Columbus, OH 43212-1156 Permit No. 711 Columbus, OH

Life in the wild

In 1976, Dr. Benjamin Tuggle took his first class at Stone Lab. Two advanced Dr. Benjamin Tuggle (left) with degrees from Ohio State later (MS and PhD in Zoology), he embarked on a career Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Photo: DOI with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Today, he is the Service’s Southwest MAKE A DONATION Regional Director, overseeing wildlife and habitat conservation and protection in TO STONE LAB: four key Western states: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. stonelab.osu.edu/fosl/give