Objective- To study the ecology of the creek running through Copley Township, specifically the Western border of Akron Fossils & Science Center (AFSC), also known as Viers Ditch (county ditch # 39).

   The study of the general ecology including plant and animal life, soil conditions, and water conditions of the creek itself, will be conducted within the determined Riparian Setback Area of this creek.*

Purpose- The purpose of this study is to not only record and document the various flora and fauna, soil conditions and water bacteria found in the water and soil, but to do so continuously throughout at least two (2) years, so as to record conditional changes that may occur seasonally. To our knowledge, a formalized research project in this specific area has never been conducted, and because of its proximity to the Barberton Reservoir (a drinking water supply for thousands of residents) we anticipate our findings to be a useful endeavor.

   Our hope is that this study will provide data that will be beneficial to understanding environmental issues that are important to areas commonly known as Riparian Setback Areas.  The careful study of erosion, pollution, water-flow rates, and plant and animal life, will help us better understand our environment; and subsequently will help us make more informed decisions for the community and its citizen’s.

Methods- We will use instruments capable of taking measurements in conformity with the standards set forth by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) for ecological studies.  The standards and procedures found to be acceptable by previous studies of Riparian Areas in other portions of this state will be adhered to.
   Measurements and frequency of measurements considered to be standard by scientific research standards for similar studies will be recorded, compiled, and analyzed in statistical journals.  Conclusive evidence will then be summarized for publication and presented for use to Copley Township, Summit County and state of Ohio.  Submission to professional journals will also be considered in due course.

Supervision- This research project will be overseen by the founder of Akron Fossils & Science Center (AFSC), William Sanderson II, as well as the advisory board of whom members include a team of three (3) educated scientists.  Compensated staff of AFSC will also be included in the supervision and data gathering process.

Participation- We are organizing this research project in such a way that the data gathering process can be conducted by local students (target audience being, grades 1-12) as well as adults.  We will encourage tour-groups that come to AFSC to participate in this project by extending invitations to them to learn how scientific data is obtained, recorded and reviewed in a hands-on research project.  This will encourage community participation, especially from local science teachers and their students.

Outcome- We anticipate that not only will the data collected and recorded be valuable to ourselves and others, but that this research may also lead to new discoveries unknown at this point.  The possible collecting of evidence from life in the past, such as fossils, animal skeletons, and archeological artifacts, will also enrich the outcome of our project.
   Doing research on the histories of various living organisms that we may find will broaden our general application of this research project as well.  Questions such as: “Do we find living organisms now that are also found in the fossil record?”; “Can we find evidence of a geology that may have been different in previous eras than today?”; “Is there evidence of change occurring now, and is it good or bad?”––questions such as these can be answered by studying the ecology around us.  Furthermore, these kinds of questions and their corresponding answers (derived from the data collected) will give us a broader understanding and appreciation for the world in which we live.  
        The lives of those participating in the project will be enriched, and those in the community may indeed be beneficiaries.  If we find detrimental data in Viers Ditch that may be affecting the surrounding areas, as well as the Barberton Reservoir, corrective measures can and will be suggested.
in due course.

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*  Riparian- situated or taking place along or near the bank of a river