Del Rio Springs State Park Restoration Project: Initial Characterization of Flora and Fauna By Traditional Ecological Methods and Environmental DNA Surveys
Faculty Mentor Name
Hillary Eaton, Vikram Narayan
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Purchased by the Trust for Public Land and Arizona State Parks and Trails in M arch 2024, Del Rio Springs is in the process of being transformed into a state park for the purpose of conservation and public use . Due to limited scientific understanding of the biodiversity, soil, and water quality in the area, conducting ecological surveys of Del Rio Springs will support the transition into a state park and help maintain the diversity and ecological integrity of the land. Environmental D N A (eDNA) meta barcoding and traditional surveys will detect fish, wildlife, and flora to provide an understanding of endangered and invasive species and potential environmental concerns . e D N A metabarcoding will be done via next generation sequencing to detect different taxa of vertebrates in a diversity of aquatic ecosystems. Water w as sampled seasonally f rom four sites with two samples per site. The samples were aseptically filtered, extracted for DNA, amplified for 1 6S rDNA through PC R, and prepared for next-generation sequencing to identify vertebrates. Water and soil quality were monito red using Pro DSS instrumentation and nutrient tests. Preliminary surveys identified 3 1 invasive species including Poison Hemlock, Utah Juniper, and Broom Snakeweed as well as 41 non-invasive species including Horsetail Milkweed, Deergrass, and Gray Globemallow. The detrimental effects of invasive flora species include siphoning nutrients from native species, contributing to soil erosion, and decreased vegetation diversity. Eradication of these species is recommended due to their negative impact on the ecosystem. Water analysis indicated no immediate environmental concerns with an average dissolved oxygen level of 1 2. 6 5 mg/ L and an average pH 6.7 6. The dissolved oxygen indicated healthy water for most aquatic life and the pH, though slightly acidic, was not a concern to wildlife or vegetation. Further collection will occur during the late spring for warmer conditions. The findings from these ecological surveys will guide the development of trails, campsites, roadways, and visitor facilities, ensuring that the ecological integrity of Del Rio Springs is preserved while facilitating its transformation into a state park .
Del Rio Springs State Park Restoration Project: Initial Characterization of Flora and Fauna By Traditional Ecological Methods and Environmental DNA Surveys
Purchased by the Trust for Public Land and Arizona State Parks and Trails in M arch 2024, Del Rio Springs is in the process of being transformed into a state park for the purpose of conservation and public use . Due to limited scientific understanding of the biodiversity, soil, and water quality in the area, conducting ecological surveys of Del Rio Springs will support the transition into a state park and help maintain the diversity and ecological integrity of the land. Environmental D N A (eDNA) meta barcoding and traditional surveys will detect fish, wildlife, and flora to provide an understanding of endangered and invasive species and potential environmental concerns . e D N A metabarcoding will be done via next generation sequencing to detect different taxa of vertebrates in a diversity of aquatic ecosystems. Water w as sampled seasonally f rom four sites with two samples per site. The samples were aseptically filtered, extracted for DNA, amplified for 1 6S rDNA through PC R, and prepared for next-generation sequencing to identify vertebrates. Water and soil quality were monito red using Pro DSS instrumentation and nutrient tests. Preliminary surveys identified 3 1 invasive species including Poison Hemlock, Utah Juniper, and Broom Snakeweed as well as 41 non-invasive species including Horsetail Milkweed, Deergrass, and Gray Globemallow. The detrimental effects of invasive flora species include siphoning nutrients from native species, contributing to soil erosion, and decreased vegetation diversity. Eradication of these species is recommended due to their negative impact on the ecosystem. Water analysis indicated no immediate environmental concerns with an average dissolved oxygen level of 1 2. 6 5 mg/ L and an average pH 6.7 6. The dissolved oxygen indicated healthy water for most aquatic life and the pH, though slightly acidic, was not a concern to wildlife or vegetation. Further collection will occur during the late spring for warmer conditions. The findings from these ecological surveys will guide the development of trails, campsites, roadways, and visitor facilities, ensuring that the ecological integrity of Del Rio Springs is preserved while facilitating its transformation into a state park .