Old Rochester high school students recently discovered the effects of human activity on the ecosystem firsthand.

In a joint activity devised by ORR Biology teacher Lynn Connor and Mattapoisett Land Trust Education Committee Chair Ellen Flynn, several students trundled out to Mattapoisett's Munro Reserve on Tuesday April 11.

Waiting for them was Woods Hole Institute research assistant Hillary Sullivan. Sullivan is a biogeochemist who studies the effect of humans activity and land use on ecosystems. She was on hand to help the students record scientific data, check water quality, and perform ecosystem experiments at the preserve and adjacent eel pond.

Also out on the beautiful day were Mattapoisett Land Trust President Mike Huguenin, and Mattapoisett Land Trust Education Committee member Mary Cabral.