Problematic Species in the Quabbin Reservoir
Balancing Ecological Diversity, Recreation, and Water Quality
Amherst College, Amherst, MA.
Interterm, January, 2008

The Class

In this class, we learned how to use an array of technological products, including video cameras, video editing software, GPS receivers, GIS software, and web design software. We used this knowledge both to learn about the Quabbin Reservoir and to document our experience. This website, and the pictures, videos, and maps within, are the result. The Quabbin Reservoir, located in the Swift River valley in western Massachusetts, is the main source of water for Boston, and much of the rest of state. We learned about ecological, environmental, public access, and management issues surrounding the Quabbin. We focused our attention on two current problematic species in the Quabbin: the hemlock woolly adelgid, and the moose. To learn more about what we did, click the links to the right.

The three photos above courtesy of Clif Read Photos

For more information, look at the course website from Amherst College's Academic Technology Services website here, and another website created by members of the course here.

We worked with and were mentored by the following individuals:

• Andy Anderson (Academic Technology Services, Amherst College)
• Scott Payne (Academic Technology Services, Amherst College)
• David Moran (Academic Technology Services, Amherst College)
• Marcus Demaio (Academic Technology Services, Amherst College)
• Sara Blaylock (Academic Technology Services, Amherst College)
• John Kundhardt (Academic Technology Services, Amherst College)
• Ethan Clotfelter (Biology, Amherst College)
• Jan Dizard (Sociology/Environmental Studies, Amherst College)
• Stephen DeStefano (Natural Resources Conservation, UMass Amherst)
• David Wattles (Natural Resources Conservation, UMass Amherst)
• Annie Paradis (Entomology, UMass Amherst)
• David Orwig (Harvard Forest)
• Clif Read (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation)
• Steve Ward (Forester, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation)