DEP Environmental Ed Grant Helps Fund Algal Bloom Education In Erie
Photo

The Regional Science Consortium laboratory, located at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, has been dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and educating people about harmful algal blooms (HABs) and the cyanotoxins they produce along the Lake Erie shoreline and Presque Isle Bay since 2014.

The RSC team has found that many people don’t have a clear understanding of HABs and their potential harmful impacts, so they applied for and were awarded a DEP Environmental Education Grant to create a mobile “HAB Lab.”

This colorful outreach and education exhibit on wheels travels not only in the Erie area but also throughout western Pennsylvania to educate the public on HABs.

HABs happen when the water is warm, stagnant, and full of nutrients. Blooms usually occur during the summer and fall, but can occur any time of the year. When they produce toxins, these blooms can become dangerous. Humans, dogs and other pets, livestock, and wildlife can experience sickness, paralysis, or even death if they touch or ingest HAB toxins.

The RSC team collects weekly water samples in many locations and analyzes them for HABs. When cyanotoxin concentrations are high, beach and shoreline managers post signage warning of concerns for dogs and/or humans.

Click Here for a video tour of the mobile HAB Lab.

(Reprinted from the latest DEP Teaching Green newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

Related Article  - Algal Blooms:

DEP Common Wealth Blog: What Are Harmful Algal Blooms And What Should You Do About Them?

Related Articles This Week:

Schuylkill Action Network Accepting Applications For Schuylkill Acts & Impacts Watershed Expedition For High School Students

Consider Creating A Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience For Students

CBF-PA, Local Groups Host More Than A Dozen On-Water Experiences For Students In 8 PA Counties

Related Articles - Education:

Register Now For Summer Science Camp For High School Students In Ohiopyle, Jennings Environmental Center

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Registration Now Open For Summer Nature Camps 2020, Berks County

[Posted: March 10, 2020]


3/16/2020

Go To Preceding Article     Go To Next Article

Return to This PA Environment Digest's Main Page