Dragonfly Mercury Project Sample

1800 Wekiwa Circle,Apopka FL 32712

17 May, 2022

Description

Join us to sample Lake Prevatt in Wekiwa Springs State Park for dragonfly nymphs! The Dragonfly Mercury Project engages citizen scientists such as students and teachers in the collection of juvenile dragonflies, also known as dragonfly larvae, from national parks for mercury analysis. Mercury is a toxic pollutant that can harm human health and wildlife health. Mercury often enters parks as air pollution from distant, human-caused sources, like coal-burning power plants. Dragonfly larvae are excellent indicators of mercury risk because they can live for years underwater eating insects and even small fish. Once it is deposited, mercury can build up inside the larvae and give scientists insight into the health of the waters in which they live. Using parks as classrooms, this study provides data for natural resource managers to protect human and wildlife health. Come Explore with Us! Grab some rubber boots and a sampling net and join us as we search for juvenile dragonflies! Since 2011, over 100 national parks and more than 4,500 citizen scientists have participated in this dynamic, nationwide project. Sign up today!