NPS/Jill Peters
How much mercury is present in the water bodies of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)? This is one question citizen scientists are currently helping to answer. The Continental Divide Research Learning Center brought a nationwide mercury dragonfly study to RMNP. This program, conducted in partnership with the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center, the University of Maine, and USGS, has high school students participate in a community science project to contribute to better understanding the role dragonfly play as an indicator of mercury pollution. Dragonfly larvae have long life cycles and act as bio-indicators of what is in the water, including mercury.
Community scientists collect dragonfly larvae in the park and prepare samples for lab analysis of mercury levels. Dragonfly larvae are collected annually and sent to laboratories at the University of Maine for analysis. Results from this study are posted online and students can compare the data from RMNP sites with other national parks.
Learn more about the DMP at Rocky Mountain National Park by exploring the story map below.
Last updated: July 5, 2022