Field Survey Trips - Yellowstone Red Layer Microbial Observatory Using Microbial Diversity and Biotechnology to Enhance Learning

National Science Foundation Western Oregon University Yellowstone National Park

	GERMS Monitoring – June 2004 This dayhike-only survey trip of 4 established RLMO sites was the first run of our comprehensive monitoring project and program for undergraduates called GERMS (Geochemistry and Ecology of Red Mat Systems). Additionally, we collected rod replicates from a long-term mat formation study being performed at Fairy. 10 people (including 7 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	Shoshone/Bechler – August 2003 This 7-day backpack between Kepler Cascades and the southern park boundary was made very difficult by bad weather and river fords. We surveyed new and old thermal areas in Shoshone, and discovered new RLMO sites throughout Ferris Fork (actively turning down collection sites because there were SO MANY). 5 people (including 2 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	Survey and Research – June 2003 This trip was definitely booby-trapped. After laying out a HUGE itinerary focused on ongoing sourcewater studies and a new culture project, Terry fell ill on day 2 and, within 24 hours, had septic and kidney-tropic Streptococcus. We triaged remaining work and drove him home 30 hours into his antibiotic regimen (when they appeared to be working). Thus, I have few pictures – being that I tended to Terry while Danny and Peter completed priority work during our final 48 hours in the park. 4 people (including 2 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	Ponuntpa/Joseph’s Coat – August 2002 Only Danny Lodge participated in this trip. First, he spent 1 week working at MSU/TBI, perfecting DGGE population methods. Then he was a student participant in a horse-supported trip to Joseph’s Coat with the Yellowstone Institute (instructor Duncan Foley, PLU). Originally, the trip was to include Hot Springs Basin but this was canceled. More time was spent around Fern Lake and Ponuntpa Basin where new RLMO sites were found.
	Survey and Research – June 2002 Specific trip goals centered around new sourcewater and geochemical analyses.  In contrast with light survey trips, sourcewater days involved hauling significant quantities of chemical survey gear and water into/our of the backcountry, followed by 2-3 hours of chemistry back at the hotel. Additionally, we surveyed new basins along Alum and Violet Creeks in Hayden Valley.  6 people (including 4 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	Joseph’s Coat – August 2001 Originally to be fully horse-supported joint survey trip with a park team to remote Joseph's Coat and Hot Springs Basins, plans fell apart last minute when we learned that horses were not carrying gear all the way.  One day turned into two just to haul gear to Joseph’s Coat.  Injury/dropout amongst the park team did not improve the situation, and a huge fire blazed 5 miles away.   Despite everything, we found 2 new RLMO sites. 4 people from my lab (including 2 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	Sourcewater Studies – July 2001 This summer, the guys (Danny and Peter) did all the work.  Using 4 established RLMO sites, Peter collected and filtered geothermal sourcewater to examine its microbial content. Meanwhile, Danny performed detailed mat dissections from these same communities, to be tested using red-specific DNA probes for localization studies.  5 people (including 2 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	General Survey – September 2000 This dayhike-only trip visited 4 established RLMO sites and surveyed 4 new areas (most negative), including an escort-lead trip through lakeside Potts Basin. Originally to be an all-woman party, I broke my rules when I received word of NSF support and hired Danny as my new research assistant.  Our weather was variable, with many cold and rainy days.  8 people (including 6 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	Shoshone Basin – July 2000 This "unofficial" backpacking survey trip to Shoshone Lake and Basin (all new sites for us) was work and vacation for friends, family, and former students who have helped with this project. This definitely was the hottest trip to date and we all acquired nasty blisters on our swimmingly sweaty feet.  Although most of Shoshone contained nothing red, we located one alkaline pool (Western Pool) that contained a red layer. 6 people (including 4 former undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	General Survey and Heart Lake – August 1999 This was my first trip backpacking with students and the stringent gear and fitness requirements attracted all males.  Thus, I co-lead/tented with collaborator Brian Hedlund (UNLV).  Owing to PERFECT weather and amazing sampling, we enjoyed a side-trip up Mt. Sheridan for my 32nd birthday and a day of scrambling in the Tetons. 6 people (including 4 undergraduates) participated in this trip.
	General Survey – June 1998 This dayhike-only trip established primary RLMO sites we continue to study today. It was also my first trip as a professor and leader.  Given that – of course, we had to suffer the worst weather (to date) of any trip:  rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind, extreme cold and very little sun or heat.  Perhaps more than anything, I learned that I would have to be more careful with gear issues in the future.  Too much denim and cotton! 8 people (including 6 undergraduates) participated in this trip.

Additional Team and Research Information Is Archived on the RLMO Database Thanks to All Students, Family, Friends, Funding Providers, and Yellowstone National Park