The mission of the Chuck Haugen Conservation Fund is to appreciate and inspire volunteers and professionals who participate in the conservation of Monterey Bay’s ecosystems, both terrestrial and aquatic.

Freshwater Aquatic Insect Research at Elkhorn Slough and Fort Ord

Kristy Whiteson, a Master’s student at San José State University, is currently studying aquatic insect populations residing in Fort Ord and Elkhorn Slough’s ponds and vernal pools. She is interested in documenting and evaluating the differences and similarities between temporary and permanent ponds based on their aquatic insect diversity and community assemblages.

Kristy Whiteson with water quality sampling equipment

Kristy is shown here with water
sampling equipment at Steve
Addington Glade on Fort Ord.

Not only will Kristy’s project provide Fort Ord with an aquatic insect reference collection, but it will also test several hypotheses dealing with current pond science themes. Kristy hopes to promote a better understanding of vernal pool ecology and aquatic insect communities.