The North Temperate Lakes LTER vegetation survey team leapt out of their research boat, wetsuits and dive gear ready to go. The survey site bordered the opposite side of Trout Lake, a straight shot from the research facility and student dorms. Two bald eagles, native to this part of Northern Wisconsin, appeared disgruntled at our sudden presence, and screeched for a few minutes before soaring off across the lake.

Divers – and snorkelers, for the shallow transects – pulled bright orange rings down with them beneath the waves and placed them on the lake bottom, encircling different aquatic plants. They then identified different species and estimated biomass, all recorded neatly on waterproof clipboards.

Read the entire blog here on the LTER website.