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Citizens United To Protect The Maurice River - Dragonfly Mercury Project Sampling / 8-8 and 8-15-25
CU Maurice River is once again proud to participate in the Dragonfly Mercury Project?a nationwide study of mercury deposition coordinated by the University of Maine, the National Park Service, and the USGS. Conducted in national parks and natural areas across the continental U.S., this project has become the largest mercury contamination assessment in the country.
In the U.S., the primary human-driven sources of mercury emissions are coal burning and mining. Once released into the atmosphere, mercury travels via wind currents and is deposited into ecosystems through precipitation. In aquatic environments, mercury can be transformed by microorganisms into methylmercury?a potent neurotoxin that accumulates through the food web. Methylmercury poses serious risks to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health, making monitoring efforts like this critical.
Dragonfly larvae, which can spend up to six years in aquatic habitats before maturing, serve as excellent indicators of ecosystem health. As top predators in the aquatic food chain and because they are easy to collect and analyze, they are ideal for measuring mercury levels in the environment.
On August 8 and 15, CU Maurice River will engage volunteer community scientists to collect dragonfly larvae within the Wild and Scenic Maurice River Watershed. Participants will meet at the CU Maurice River office for a brief orientation on the project before carpooling to the sampling sites. Specific locations will be shared closer to the date.
Be Prepared
Quick-dry synthetic clothing and water shoes (not sandals) need to be worn; expect to get wet. Wading in the water up to your knees or higher is likely. Life jackets will be required at all times while in the water. However, there are also important jobs for a few community scientists who might feel more comfortable on land. Insect repellent and sunscreen are highly recommended for this outing as well as an ample amount of drinking water. CU Maurice River has a limited number of life jackets for participants to borrow so if you have your own, please bring it with you.
Date and Time
Friday Aug 8, 2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDTFriday, August 8, 2025
Friday, August 15, 2025
9 amLocation
Meet at CU Maurice River Office
17 E. Main Street
Millville, NJ 08332Fees/Admission
Free. Register at Dragonfly Mercury Sampling
Website
Contact Information
1-856-300-5331
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