Purpose of awards: to promote student based research of riparian hydrology and ecology or methods of study related to field or laboratory investigations of these topics. Each of these projects was or could be conducted in a field setting and would help us better understand the complex but interesting relationships between soil, water, plants and animals that make up this unique ecosystem. Congratulations to all of you!

2008 SARSEF winning projects

High School

1. Nick Barraza, Tucson High Magnet School, Variability and trends in mountain snowpack in Arizona
2. Caitlin Horton, Rio Rico High School, A comparison of Cottonwoods and Tamarisk' soil pH along the Santa Cruz River

Honorable Mention

• Tara Ortega & Sonora Cubillas, Empire High School, Algae-astic! It's fantastic!

Middle School

1. Jeannie Wilkening, Wilson Middle School, Analyzing non-point source pollution
2. Stephen Yao & Rubin Morales, Doolen Middle School, Are landslides associated with certain types of soil
3. Brett Tocci, St Joseph's Catholic School, A study of microclimates in Tucson

Honorable Mention

• Adelynn Schafer, Booth-Fickett M/S Magnet, What are the effects of acid rain on mustard seed growth?
• Hayden Gaber, Booth-Fickett M/S magnet, Which water is best for Tribble?

Elementary School (un-judged - but interesting sounding projects)

• Group or class project, White ES, Teacher Nancy DeFeo (AZrivers alumnus)
  • Is dissolved oxygen different at Sweetwater Wetlands than Archer and Silverbell Lake?
  • Does the number of macroinvertabrate species in the Sweetwater Wetlands change with greater distance from the effluent entrance?
  • What difference do rushes, trees and plants at the water's edge make in water quality at Sweetwater Wetlands, Archer and Silverbell Lake?
• Kelly Madden, Donaldson Elementary, From drains to ducks