Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become involved with the Leaf Pack Network (LPN)?
To become involved, go to the Get Involved link; fill out an online
application form and submit data soon thereafter. Once logged on, you can
also retrieve the most up-to-date procedures and data sheets.
If possible, it
is recommended that you attend a Leaf Pack workshop. There are two reasons
we encourage individuals to attend a Leaf Pack workshop. 1) To ensure the
consistent use of protocols for gathering and entering data to the LPN, thereby
increasing accuracy and reliability of the LPN data. Good scientific
experimental design needs to be consistent so that results can be compared,
analyzed and interpreted. 2) To receive macroinvertebrate identification
training.
Email the LPN administrator at leafpacknetwork@stroudcenter.org to find out when the next Leaf Pack workshop is taking place in your area or visit our workshop calendar.
Individuals outside the mid-Atlantic region are also encouraged to join LPN!
We ask that you carefully follow the procedures and that you are comfortable
with macroinvertebrate identification. If you are not comfortable with
identifying macroinvertebrates but would like assistance in finding training in
your area, please e-mail leafpacknetwork@stroudcenter.org.
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Can anyone enter data onto the Leaf Pack Network?
Yes, as long as procedures were properly followed to ensure consistency among
Leaf Pack experiments AND that you are confident with the macroinvertebrate data
you are posting. If you need assistance with macroinvertebrate
identification, please e-mail leafpacknetwork@stroudcenter.org.
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What is the difference between a control pack and an experimental pack?
Control packs contain leaves from the three dominant trees around the stream and are placed in a riffle. Any control project data set observed on the LPN has been completed this way! Control packs are scientifically important in order that data sets are capable of being compared. Control packs provide a reference for any experimental leaf packs you may investigate.
Experimental leaf packs are filled with anything or placed anywhere you think would make an interesting investigation. For example they can be filled with grass, artificial leaves, pinecones, non-native vegetation or flower petals. Experimental packs can be placed in different locations within a stream such as a pool. This is your chance to be creative! Come up with a scientific question, form a hypothesis, do the experiment, observe, analyze your results and do what the scientists do!
This is why it is important to properly name projects; either control or experimental.
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When is the best time to do the Leaf Pack Experiment?
Autumn is when nature produces the most natural leaf packs. When winter roles around people think they missed their opportunity to do the Leaf Pack Experiment. Not true! What a lot of people are unaware of is that stream life is as active in the winter as it is in the summer! Some macroinvertebrates have adapted to perform at their best in cold temperatures, as other macroinvertebrates have adapted to be most active in warmer months.
Leaf packs can be found year round and the leaf pack experiment can be done year round.
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How long do we leave the leaf packs in the stream?
Generally, you should leave your leaf packs in the stream for 3-4 weeks. We encourage you to check on your leaf packs weekly to ensure they are still in place and note quickly they are decomposing. Every stream is different and every leaf has a different decomposition rate.
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Why does the control leaf pack have to be in the riffle area of the stream?
When leaves fall naturally into a stream they are carried by the water downstream where they usually get caught on rocks. When multiple leaves get ÒcaughtÓ on one another they create a leaf pack. Placing the control leaf packs in the riffle also adds consistency with all the control leaf pack experiments.
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How can I ensure that I will not lose my leaf packs?
It can be tricky tying leaf packs to in-stream rocks and we suggest you plan for
high stream flow. Our scientists also encountered this problem when they
first started using leaf packs. If you do not have a large rock (over a
foot/30cm in a least one dimension) on which to securely tie the leaf pack, the
best solution seems to be to lash the leaf bag to a construction brick (brick
with holes in the center) with strong fishing line. Place the brick, with
the attached leaf bag, in the stream with the long axis of the brick parallel to
the direction of the water flow. Because of its weight and placement, the
bricks rarely flip over, even in fairly heavy storms. If bricks with holes
in the center are used, they can be "staked" through the holes into
the stream bottom providing even more stability. We advise this for use
in small, low flow streams. For images and more detailed
directions, please view our 2005 Fall e-Newsletter.
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