Shellfish Harvesting

This week we learned how to harvest shellfish. We learned how to help shellfish grow, why shellfish are important for the environment, and how to identify the different types of shellfish. Then we went out in the field and helped move oysters from one growth tray to another. First, we had to build the new trays for the oysters to live on. Then we took bags of oysters that were about five months old and broke them up. The oysters are grown in bags at first so predators do not eat them. Since they are so close together inside the bag, the oyster grow one on top of another and form a big clamp of oysters. So, we have to break them apart and spread them out on big trays. They can go on the trays because they are bigger and not as many predators will eat them. It was fun but tough work. It is hard not to break some of the oysters and kill them. When you dump out the bags of oysters you also dump out all these tiny creatures that have hidden in among the oysters. I dumped out one bag and out came a baby American eel. Here are some pictures of me working. I know, I have a very tough job: riding boats, hanging out in the water, and eating lunch on a dock. :)

1) Everyone on the boat with all our gear.

2) Building the new home for the oysters.

3) Placing the tray in the water.

4) Fishing out a bag of oysters.

5) Breaking up the oysters. We had to wear gloves because they were very sharp.

6) Jacs dumping the separated oysters into their new home.

7) Eating lunch on the dock.

Hands on Training

This past week we did some hands on training with tools, plant id, and collecting data. We learned to collect data to complete a water profile (I think that is what it is called). We learned to take the air and water temperature, wind speed and direction, salinity, pH, depth to ground water, wave height, wave strength, and sand size. It very interesting. We also learned how to study animal habitats by collecting and measuring organisms in a certain area. This past week we have been very busy because we also learned about invasive species such as bitter sweet, mutliflora rose, and honey suckle. We then went to an area and clear out a ton of overgrowth so the community could use the area for benches. Here are some pictures of what I have been up to the past week.

1) Testing out waders for holes.

2) Checking the water salinity

3) Collecting plankton

4) Attempting to take the water temperature. It is a lot harder then you think because of the waves. LOL
5) Helping to make a bench.

6) Before we cleared the area and save the tree in the background. :)

7) After clearing the area. You can see the tree now.

Retreat

Yesterday I returned home from my retreat. The house was beautiful and so was the beach. Unfortunately, I did not get to spend a lot of time at the beach because we did a lot of team building activities. We also did training on ticks and listened to a lecture about Cape Cod National Seashore. Today we had training through the Red Cross about setting up and helping to run a Disaster Shelter. I am now certified to help open and run a shelter. These long, long days of training are starting to wear me out. I am very exhausted. I am not use to just sitting all day, everyday. Also the lack of privacy is starting to wear on me, that and spending everyday with the same people, all day long. I can't wait until we start our jobs and training is over. Here are a few pictures from the retreat.

1) The house we stayed in for the retreat. It is owned by the Coast Guard.

2) Bedroom.


3) Getting ready to hike across the sand dunes outside of P-town.

4) Hiking across the sand dunes. It was about 4 miles around trip. You hike from the Cape Cod Bay to the Ocean.

5) Relaxing on the beach after our hike.


6) The moon raising over the ocean.

I can save a life

Today we spent 8 hours learning how to save people's lives. After only eight hours, the Red Cross handed us cards giving us all permission to save people. So if anyone has an emergency, I officially know what to do. After training today, I went grocery shopping at Stop and Shop. Trust me it is not Wegmans which I am missing already. The food is more expensive up here - apples are $1.79/lb!! Can you believe that? But then again I don't live in the apple state anymore. Tomorrow we go to our beach house and get to spend some time relaxing on the beach. I know this AmeriCorps stuff is tough so far. I am looking forward to having a little down time. It has been cool and rainy up here. Here are a couple pictures of some of my housemates learning first-aid and me on the beach. I am missing home, but things are going well.

More Pictures

Not going to write much. I am very, very tired. It has been a long three days. Not use to just sitting and listening all day. So, I am going to just post a couple more pictures. I hope you enjoy them.

1st - Me in my waders, we use them for when we need to harvest shellfish (I am not sure what that exactly means yet)
2nd - Me and Harry in our rain gear. Yes, we have to work outside even when it down pours.
3rd - The whole house. This is my family for the next year.

4th and 5th- My home for the year. Isn't it cute??

6th - The public Library. We were very excited to get our cards. LOL

First Day

Well, I have arrived at my new home. Doesn't feel like home at all right now. It is strange to know that in about an hour, I will be sleeping in a house with 13 other complete strangers. The house is cute, big but does seem small with 14 people in it. Everyone is still getting unpack and getting things organized. I am lucky, I only have to share a room with one other girl. She is from Indiana. She seems nice and likes some of the same things as me: camping, reading, etc. The most surprising thing so far has been that two other people are from the Rochester area. It is a very small world. Living with this many people is definitely going to take some getting use to. Tomorrow we start real training. Today we just unpacked, had a house meeting to go over rules and stuff, and had dinner. Bathrooms are going to be an issue - a big issue. There is only 2 for 14. I have already had to wait to use it. This weekend we are going on a retreat to a very nice beach house in Eastham (no idea where that is). The house is right on the beach and we will get to explore the coast, swim, surf, and canoe. So, I am really looking forward to that. The rest of this week, we will just be doing training-paperwork, CPR, and some other stuff that I can't remember. Right now I still have tons of unanswered questions, which I know will be answered in all the training that will take place. The greatest thing about this house is that it is very environmental friendly. We have solar panels, recycling, and a compost pile. We also have a veggie garden. I know this post is all over the place. But that is how my mind feels right now.

Living Room, girl in black is my roommate (TOP) Room of four girls

Dining room(TOP) Kitchen, House supervisor

Part of the group eating in the living room (TOP) My room, my bed is the one with the blue strips

I'll take some more pictures tomorrow and try to add them in the next couple days. I thought I had a picture of the outside of my house but I guess I only took one with my cell phone. Good night everyone.