<b>Marsh Mucking, A Millbrook Tradition</b>
One of Millbrook's greatest traditions is marsh mucking in the Millbrook marshes on School Road.
(View the 2-minute marsh mucking video on our Millbrook in Motion page.)
Our marsh mucking tradition was started by Dr. Bruce Rinker, Science Department Chair from 1987 until 1999, and continued since by Science Department Chair Dr. Barry Rosenbaum and biology teachers Gordie MacKenzie '79 and Tom Spinella. Scheduled in the fall and spring for general biology students, Mr. MacKenzie also brings his Discovery in Science class to the marshes for a fall expedition. There are no wading boots here, as students trudge through the muddy and sometimes chest-deep marsh water to observe and collect specimens.
The purpose of marsh mucking for all of these students is to get up close with nature, experience her creatures from a different perspective, and come to understand our role in the bigger picture as stewards of the natural world. This experience is important not only in gaining an understanding and appreciation of vanishing habitats, but in meeting the challenge of overcoming fears that are often based on a lack of knowledge. Students afraid of “marsh monsters”, leeches, beavers, and other creatures that call the marsh their home, find their fears unfounded when they are up close and personal with these protagonists.
So how do our students really feel about marsh mucking at the end of the day? Here it is in their own words:
Back
Our marsh mucking tradition was started by Dr. Bruce Rinker, Science Department Chair from 1987 until 1999, and continued since by Science Department Chair Dr. Barry Rosenbaum and biology teachers Gordie MacKenzie '79 and Tom Spinella. Scheduled in the fall and spring for general biology students, Mr. MacKenzie also brings his Discovery in Science class to the marshes for a fall expedition. There are no wading boots here, as students trudge through the muddy and sometimes chest-deep marsh water to observe and collect specimens.
The purpose of marsh mucking for all of these students is to get up close with nature, experience her creatures from a different perspective, and come to understand our role in the bigger picture as stewards of the natural world. This experience is important not only in gaining an understanding and appreciation of vanishing habitats, but in meeting the challenge of overcoming fears that are often based on a lack of knowledge. Students afraid of “marsh monsters”, leeches, beavers, and other creatures that call the marsh their home, find their fears unfounded when they are up close and personal with these protagonists.
Mansell Ambrose '14: As my feet hit the water, I just kept getting deeper, and by the time I took my first step, the mud was up to my belly button! I felt weeds hitting all over my legs, and I was very worried, all I could think about was what would happen if a beaver brushed against by leg, or a leech stuck on to me.This is a very unique experience which allows Millbrook students to view nature from a new perspective:
Juliana Mittermeier '14: The fact that we couldn't see where our next step would land us made most people choose to stay huddled together on the narrow pathway, while others moved ahead with a curiosity wildly driving them forward after our instructor.
Maddie Panzer '14: I was standing in the water covered in muck and weeds, and we had to stay in the water to collect organisms. While catching these organisms it grossed me out to think that all these nasty little insects were all around me...
Mansell: I was able to see up close how water insects really live and how the weeds and grass are what they are attracted to.After the marsh mucking expedition, Millbrook students have the opportunity to conduct collaborative research. While in the marshes, they dig into the muck and collect anything they can catch using nets, buckets, and pans. Expeditions over the years have netted crayfish, dragonfly nymphs, water scorpions, water fleas, water bugs, snails, catfish, a baby snapping turtle, and leeches. Live specimens are brought back to the classroom where students study the specimens under a microscope, draw the specimens on paper, and include descriptive captions that identify each specimen. Their research leads into discussions about food chains and food webs and supports a class mantra - energy flows, nutrients cycle – and how this applies to the organisms collected.
Maddie: The view from the boardwalk vs. from the marsh itself was completely different. We saw what the organisms living in the marsh would see. On both sides you're surrounded by water and vegetation. There were all different types of flora: some tall, some short, some colorful, some not.
So how do our students really feel about marsh mucking at the end of the day? Here it is in their own words:
Juliana: My collecting partners and I pulled up some pretty good findings, such as several little white snails, which we had no problem picking up and handling. But we also pulled up some pretty creepy creatures... When I ran back to Guest House to shower and prepare for the rest of the day, people cast me funny looks that said, 'What a classic marsh mucker!'
Maddie: Arriving at the boardwalk in the morning was just breathtaking! It was an overall incredible experience. It was a fun and enjoyable way to learn about a habitat, what lives there, how it's useful, and why we should preserve it. Marsh mucking is definitely something I would do again!
Mansell: I was convinced by other kids to dunk under. Everyone said, "It was so fun, you have to try it." So I did, and it was the grossest part of the whole thing. But they were right - it was really fun! All in all, it was an even better day than I thought it would be.
No comments have been posted
