Naturally-occurring and man-made wetlands are vital components of ecosystems in the Appalachians. Wetlands regulate stream flow, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for a diverse array of organisms. The bogs, fens and swamps of Appalachia are home to a large number of plant and animal species, many of which are threatened or endangered. Constructed wetlands often are used to treat acid mine drainage, which is associated with coal production and is considered by many to be the number one water quality problem in the Appalachian states. The Symposium seeks to provide a meeting in which educators may participate in workshops designed to provide innovative approaches to multidisciplinary SOL-based curricula.
The Symposium will also be a forum in which undergraduate researchers may communicate the results of research related to wetlands or to other projects investigating landscapes that have been impacted by human activities. Because studies such as these require a broad range of expertise, the Symposium is open to any field of study or any combination of fields that seek to understand human impacts on Appalachian landscapes. Registration includes morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch. We hope that you will take advantage of this excellent opportunity to present your original research.
