Clean water: a long-term water quality monitoring network to evaluate restoration of Hickory Run at the Mt. Cuba Center

Kauffman, Gerald J.,Mt. Cuba is in the advantageous position of having planned restoration efforts developed around a stream that is healthy, stable, and largely devoid of many anthropogenic inputs so commonly seen in water bodies throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Because of this the effects of these restorative efforts can be directly observed through rigorous water quality monitoring, and reasonable connections can be drawn between ecosystem changes and their effects on potential pollutants and water quality conditions. Additionally, research has recently been published on quantifying the ecosystem services of native versus exotic plant species, and while certain information is known on how these plant species differ their effects on water quality are still unproven – an area of research acknowledged by authors as needing more study. ☐ To take advantage of the ideal research situation baseline measurements need to be undertaken as soon as possible with a look toward more permanent measuring stations which can identify a range of water quality parameters. Beginning with the recently completed surveying and cross-sections of Hickory Run, and in combination with ongoing sampling, the ability to add flow and turbidity data for both base flow conditions as well as during storm events can begin to provide an idea as to how the stream itself is impacted over time. Because discharge and turbidity readings are widely undertaken, especially through U.S. Geological Survey efforts in the region, these readings become immediately useful not only for comparison over time at Mt. Cuba itself but also to surrounding streams throughout the region. ☐ On a greater scale, as climate change continues to potentially alter the ways in which ecosystems function data collection can no longer be solely focused on how anthropogenic effects have altered nature. It must begin to quantify how restorative efforts will impact these same systems. If sound decisions are to be made toward securing safe, reliable water sources for the future, then data from areas such as Mt. Cuba where there is a known history of uses, planned and documented land use and restoration, and dedicated staff and monitoring capabilities, will become invaluable. There is an opportunity not only to undertake meaningful research in a vital area but to encourage future investigation into these effects by being able to provide reliable, significant data over a long period of time.M.S.University of Delaware, Water Science and Policy Progra