Draft 1 - Four Mile Creek: A History

This topic submitted by Sophia Turczynewycz ( turczysv@muohio.edu ) on 1/23/03. [ Rivers Team: Sophia Turczynewycz-Section: Cummins/Kaufman]

Since I am a big fan of history in any aspect, my idea for the Rivers project would be to research the history of Four Mile Creek and see how it has evolved over the years. Questions that could be asked could include, but not limited to - How has Four Mile Creek been changed and shaped through the years? How has human intervention perturbed the wildlife and vegetation that are within the creek? What is being done to keep the creek preserved?

This study would include aspects such as the biology of the creek, vegetation surrounding the creek, wildlife that inhabit the creek, the ecological health and how it has changed, flood history, agricultural needs etc, covering the scientific portion of the project. Culturally, I would examine who used the creek in the past (Native Americans, early settlers, etc.) and who uses it now, and how human intervention has affected the creek, whether good or bad. As far as social aspects go, I would look at who "owns" the creek, how is it being preserved and protected, land trusts and easements that surround the creek, etc.

Methods for addressing these different aspects would include studying the creek itself, making observations and conducting experiments to gain information. Surfing the Net, going to the library and the Western Archives to get more research on the creek will also be helpful. Looking at past projects and studies done on the creek will also help gain insight, and talking to people such as Larry Frimmerman, and others who are educated about the creek will also help get a background on the creek.

That's all I got for now....
Fia

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