Sometimes We Do Not Need Microscopes . . .

Last week we used microscopes to get a closer look at an ecosystem right outside our school. We took water samples from a small drainage ditch and could see living microorganisms inside! These biotic beings were quick but many of us were able to get a closer look. Today, we will learning about an ecosystem that is rapidly changing right before our eyes - no microscope necessary. The beaches along Lake Winnipeg have drastically changed over the winter. Due to an invasive species, home and cottage owners are finding that after the snow melted, their once beautiful sandy beaches are full of millions and millions of mussels.

Melting snow reveals millions of dead zebra mussels at Victoria Beach