Instructor leads research project in Great Smokies

SYLVA - Over the next two summers, Southwestern Community College instructor Trevor Rundle and some of his Biology students will conduct a research project on a rare species of bird in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

The opportunity arose when Carrie Jones, the Resource Management and Science Liaison, approached Rundle for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jones asked Rundle to design a study in a newly acquired tract of land in the southeast corner of the park.

Trevor has decided to concentrate on the golden-winged warbler. His project is intended to be both scientific and educational, and he said both he and Jones are excited about the idea of a tie-in with SCC.

"I think this benefits us greatly to interface with such an important neighbor," said Rundle, a Biology instructor. "And we've talked considerably about how to involve students in the project."

Rundle and his students will be trying to determine precisely why the number of golden-winged warblers in the park has been declining. They will also attempt to understand the birds' nesting and habitat preferences so that the environment necessary for their survival can be preserved.

Several students are working as interns with Rundle. Working this summer with Rundle are Nick Crawford of Franklin and Josh Haddock of Sylva.

"The 'beyond the classroom' educational opportunity this project presents is immeasurable," Rundle said. "The chance to learn techniques of field data collection and analysis, and the opportunity to interact with personnel of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park exceed anything I could possibly do for them within the traditional framework of the classroom."