Lab 9 - Dog Park

     For this lab the plan was for the class to visit a dog park relatively near campus, take some soil samples from the park, and then return to campus to analyze and discuss the samples. However, my section of the class was unfortunately not quite able to make it to park, due to inclement weather. Dr. Rood did bring the samples collected by the first lab section to a regular class period, so my section was able to view some soil samples and what was used to analyze them. Based on what was done, there was a noticeably higher amount of bacteria present in the samples from the dog park than what would normally be found in a randomly chosen area.
     Another component of the lab that we discussed was the importance of dog parks as relates to communities. Dog parks are important to communities for multiple reasons, and have the ability to improve any area that they are found in. They provide a designated place where people can take their dogs for exercise and interaction with other dogs. Inevitably, the owners of the dogs will also be able to interact, allowing for people with common interests to meet and develop relationships around a central location. This is a great help in creating and sustaining a sense of community in the areas where dog parks are located. Below are a few pictures of the dog park in Macon.