On one of our field trips this week, Mark Willett an engineer for the Wannacomet Water Company, took us on a tour of Nantucket’s newest water tower, which holds 2 million gallons of fresh water that is tapped from Nantucket’s very own pristine aquifer.  Ones of the issues that the island is having is maintaining the aquifer free of pollutants from runoff and septic tank intrusions, so Mark and his team are trying to constantly to monitor the quality of the water.  Another issue that takes place on the island is the influx of tourist during the summer months, which has a huge impact on the water table, and its ability to get recharged.  The aquifers sole source of recharge is rainfall, and the large flock of tourist during the summer months takes a huge toll on the water level of this aquifer.  It was interesting to see inside this tower, i always thought it was full of water on the inside, yet we found out that the cylindrical portion of the tower is hollow, and the electronics and actual pipes are accessible, and Mark even treated us to a fresh cup of water directly pumped from the aquifer…………crisp and clean!!!!!

Here are some pics that I took, various people featured are Timchi Khamdi, Sarah Jacobs, Sophia Bass-Warner, Amelianoaire Atwood, Dr. Frankic, Dr. Douglas, and Jeremy Raynor……….hope y’all enjoy!

Today the group was taken on a plant identification trip through Squam Swamp by Kelly from the Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF). We saw some beautiful scenery, learned about the native plants on Nantucket, and even climbed a big Beech Tree. The landscape of Nantucket is so diverse; one day we are exploring the beaches and the next day we are wandering through a forest. It’s incredible and intriguing. Here are some pictures that I took during today’s adventure.

As you all may know, last Sunday thousands gathered around the white house in the biggest protest regarding climate change ever. Advocates like Bill McKibben (350.org)  and Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune where there speaking up for serious response to a serious global problem. They were arrested for “failure to disperse” as they stood their ground in a peaceful protest of the Keystone XL pipe Line, but not in vain.

From Michael Brune’s Blog: Sierra Club

Last night, the president stood before Congress to say this:

… if [you] won’t act soon to protect future generations, I will. I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy.

This saturday my capstone teammates took it upon ourselves to head out with waders and venture to two of the three salt marshes that are part of our capstone focus.  We explored The Creeks and Medouie Creek for a good five hours, venturing into the solitude and beauty of places not typically explored.  Sam Byer, our local tour guide and also classmate and capstone mate directed us in our adventure, and joining the team was Jesse Bean, and the fearless and enthusiastic Sarah Jacobs, who isn’t part of our capstone team, but jumped at the chance at an unexpected nature hike!  I captured some pictures before my camera’s battery died…..boooooooo……..yet I hope you get some enjoyment out of the ones that I was able to take!

This week we all began our hydrology class taught by Professor Douglas. I really enjoyed the first week and have gained a substantial amount of information. I have freshened up on my excel knowledge, have a better understanding of water properties/ the hydrologic cycle and the water supply specific to Nantucket. This was done through lectures, exercises, activities, homework and field trips. We also had privilege of having Mark Willett of the Wannacomet Water Company take us on a tour to see several sites on the Island which was appreciated.