Exploring Ecosystems

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Watch: Thomas Marsalia | Exploring Ecosystems (7:02 mins)

Thomas Marsalia, EAA Aquifer Protection Supervisor, shares his knowledge about the EAA’s Easement Program.

Vocabulary

Click on the words below to see their definition

Adaptation

Any change in the structure or behavior of a species which helps it to become better fitted to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Groundwater

Water that is stored underneath the earth’s surface.

Habitat

The natural environment in which a species, or group of species, lives.

Organic Material

Natural elements, often plants, found in the environment.

Water Pollution

The addition of harmful substances that degrade the natural conditions of streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, aquifers, or other bodies of water.

Podcast

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Adaptation: The Fountain Darter is adapted to living at the bottom of a clear spring fed environment.

Groundwater: Water that is stored underneath the earth’s surface.

Habitat: The natural environment in which a species, or group of species, lives.

Organic Material: Natural elements, often plants, found in the environment.

Water Pollution: Harmful substances that degrade natural conditions

Videos

Watch: Jonathan Bird Explores (11:20 mins)
The caves of Mexico are similar to the DARK ecosystem of the Edwards Aquifer. Both systems have blind catfish!

Watch: Aquatic Microinvertebrates with John Ramirez (3.57 mins)
Discover the critters living along the bottom of this South Texas stream with John Ramirez, outdoor educator and adventurer. Look for the “benthic shuffle” in the video to learn how you can discover insects like these on your next adventure.

Activities

Experience Nature Scavenger Hunt
You only need your brain and body for this scavenger hunt that is designed to improve observation skills.

Nature Mandala Activity
Find your moment of Zen making a Nature Mandala.

About Us

The Edwards Aquifer Authority is a groundwater district, mandated by the 1993 Edwards Aquifer Authority Act. The Act grants all of the powers, rights, and privileges necessary to manage, conserve, preserve, and protect the aquifer. The EAA regulates the portion of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer – a jurisdictional area that provides water to over 2.5 million people, and covers more than 8,000 square miles across eight counties. These include all of Uvalde, Medina, and Bexar counties as well as parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal, and Hays counties.