This study established a student-run hydrological and meteorological (i.e. climate/weather) field station in the Finzel Swamp Preserve to monitor weather conditions as they relate to water levels in the wetland.  Students planned the location, construction, operation, and maintenance of the field station with guidance provided by their faculty mentor.  Specific activities included:

• met with faculty mentor to make preliminary plans for the design, placement, and deployment of the sensors by consulting appropriate topographic maps and aerial photos
• conducted a preliminary reconnaissance of the field location
• coordinated access with The Nature Conservancy
• assembled and calibrated sensors
• deployed/installed the tripod, sensors and fencing
• regularly visited the sensors to download data and provide maintenance

The weather station consisted of a 3m tripod, rain gauge, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure sensors.  A fenced enclosure was provided to reduce potential damage to the sensor array.  A water level sensor was suspended inside a 4 inch perforated plastic PVC pipe, sealed with a removable cap and placed in the main water outlet from the swamp forming the headwaters of the Savage River.  Collected data will support future student undergraduate research studies.