Field Labs

The WEC offers a variety of field labs emphasizing coastal ecology, history and economics.

Our most popular trips are science and ecology based, and include activities, such as seining (pictured at right), water quality testing, wildlife identification, and environmental stewardship lessons. Lessons are presented aboard the vessel and in the marsh. 

The WEC provides the following equipment: seines, dip nets, cast nests, hip waders, plankton nets, refractometers (to test salinity), dissolved oxygen meter, Secchi discs (to test turbidity), collection jars and much more.

Field labs are conducted on distinctly different areas of the Galveston Bay Estuary: 1) the Houston Ship Channel in the lower San Jacinto River; and 2) on the lower Trinity River and Trinity River delta. The habitats in each of these areas present unique opportunities for learning about the Galveston Bay watershed. The first is a highly industrialized urban environment. The second is in a pristine rural wetland environment. The difference is evident in the color infrared aerial images below.

* The WEC has also performed field labs on the Neches River for the past 3 years. These field labs are held in the spring and are planned far in advance. If your group is interested in participating in a Neches River tour, please contact the WEC office.

Send mail to amyturner@ih2000.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: June 13, 2008