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Is watercress helping or hurting P.E.I. streams? A UPEI student aims to find out

Julie Goodwin, a biology student at UPEI, is embarking on a summer project to track the presence of watercress in freshwater streams and rivers across Prince Edward Island. Watercress, an aquatic perennial herb that is also edible, is a plant that grows in slow-moving bodies of water. Goodwin’s research aims to provide valuable insights into the distribution and impact of watercress on the Island’s ecosystems.

The lack of historical data on watercress in PEI makes Goodwin’s project crucial for future research and decision-making. She highlighted the importance of understanding the plant’s current distribution and its potential effects on local streams. Through her fieldwork, Goodwin hopes to fill the gaps in knowledge about watercress and contribute to better conservation efforts.

Citizen science has played a significant role in gathering information about watercress distribution on the Island. Platforms like iNaturalist allow users to share photos and locations of plants and animals, aiding researchers in collecting data for scientific purposes. Goodwin emphasized the need for more data to comprehend the plant’s role in Island ecosystems fully.

The impact of watercress varies depending on the environment it grows in. While some watershed groups have noted its negative effects, such as over-widening streams and out-competing native plants, others have observed positive aspects like providing nursery habitat for wildlife. Goodwin stressed the importance of studying these relationships to develop effective management and conservation strategies.

As part of her project, Goodwin is encouraging Islanders to contribute to data collection by reporting watercress sightings. By uploading photos to iNaturalist or sending them directly to her email with GPS coordinates, individuals can help build a comprehensive understanding of where watercress is growing and its impact on local ecosystems. This collaborative effort will support the development of a practical monitoring system for watershed groups to track watercress annually.

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In conclusion, Julie Goodwin’s research on watercress in Prince Edward Island sheds light on a plant that plays a significant role in the Island’s aquatic habitats. By engaging with citizen science and community participation, her project aims to enhance our understanding of watercress and promote sustainable management practices for the benefit of Island ecosystems.

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