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Undergraduate researchers present preliminary East Swamp Brook study, find urbanization correlates with degraded stream indicators
Summary
Undergraduate researchers from North Southeastern University and NC State told the commission their preliminary sampling at eight sites along East Swamp Brook recorded about 3,426 macroinvertebrates and found trends linking proximity to urban disturbance with lower biodiversity; they announced free community workshops and citizen science plans.
Student researchers with the Buffalo Stream Conservation Group presented preliminary results from an East Swamp Brook biodiversity study and recommended community engagement and shoreline plantings to improve stream health.
Nicholas Safamani, an undergraduate researcher who introduced himself during the presentation, and Joe Belkian of NC State described sampling eight sites along East Swamp Brook grouped by disturbance level (undisturbed, low, medium, high). They outlined field methods (D‑ring kick net sampling at 4.5 feet, canopy and temperature measurements, substrate mapping and GIS impervious‑surface analysis) and said the team collected more than 3,400 macroinvertebrates across their samples (the presenters gave a total of about 3,426 and said site 1 produced roughly 627 individuals).
The students said preliminary trends support their hypothesis that sites closer to urban disturbance show higher counts of pollution‑tolerant organisms and lower species richness. "We really wanna be dead wrong," Safamani said of their hypothesis, adding that the good news is some upstream reaches still host pollution‑intolerant species such as two‑lined salamanders and mayfly/stonefly taxa.
The presenters said data processing is ongoing and that formal analyses and any peer‑reviewable paper will take longer. They also announced three free conservation workshops at the Bethel Public Library (listed in the presentation as July 17, July 20 and July 22, 2–3:30 p.m.) and invited residents to participate in a GIS‑linked citizen survey to record wildlife sightings and support mapping of biological hotspots.
Commissioners asked about next steps; Safamani said the team will provide planting recommendations to improve canopy and bank stability and will share species lists and workshop materials with the commission.
