Geoscience students investigate soil at the former Ponderosa Golf Course
Geoscience students spent time in the field this October with Professors Karl Leonard and Michelle Abshire, investigating possible heavy metal contamination in the soils of the former Ponderosa Golf Course at the Minnesota State Moorhead Regional Science Center. Students Thalia, Chloe, and Izzy collected soil samples from multiple locations, including former tee boxes, the old fairway, and nearby forested areas. Back on campus, they will analyze the samples to determine heavy metal and organic carbon content. Their findings will help the Regional Science Center assess whether soil contamination is present and identify any problem areas that may need remediation. This project offers students a valuable opportunity to move beyond the classroom and gain hands-on, experiential learning in the field. The group will present their results at the upcoming Student Academic Conference.
