William Floyd High School science students recently participated in the annual “A Day in the Life” program at Forge River Marina and Osprey Park, two beautiful landmarks located within the Mastic Beach community! This program gave students the opportunity to conduct meaningful scientific research and learn more about these local ecosystems.

Much of their work was centered in studying the rivers at each location, with one of the primary focuses being a seining activity in which they collected and detailed different biological samples to learn more about the biodiversity of each waterway. The students also took physical measurements of the river and recorded chemical data, which included the rivers’ temperature, salinity, nitrates and pH. In addition to studying the river, groups of students also worked to create a detailed site description by mapping the surrounding area and shoreline as well as collecting sediment samples.

All of the data collected by the students during this activity will be shared and publicized through the Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Central Pine Barrens Commission. This data helps both organizations take note of changes that occur within each ecosystem over time and assess their overall health.

Special thanks to the Central Pine Barrens Commission, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Brookhaven National Laboratory for their efforts in bringing the “A Day in the Life” program to so many students and helping them learn the importance of caring for local estuaries and ecosystems.

William Floyd High School science teachers Anya Swiss and Christopher Orlando brought their classes. Ms. Swiss also serves as the advisor of the William Floyd High School Science Society, and Mr. Orlando serves as the advisor of the Stony Brook STEP program.