Hello Everyone! My name is Jayden Jech and I have been interning with the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance (LPLA) this summer! I graduated from Red Wing High School in 2019 and am currently pursuing a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. With my love for Lake Pepin, and interest in the environment, I was beyond excited to join LPLA this summer.
Due to COVID-19, my work primarily consisted of wildlife research and field observations. My research focused on fishes and birds that call Lake Pepin home or a pit stop during their annual migrations. I collected information about suitable habitat in and around Lake Pepin, including information related to the beautiful bird visitors that utilize the lake as part of an important bird flyway.
I found several neat facts about Lake Pepin wildlife. For example, I learned that recreational boating in Lake Pepin poses a risk for the Paddlefish (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources), the Great Blue Heron and other bird species are heavily influenced by human disturbances (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), and the Pied-Billed Grebe has the ability to dive underwater with their young (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).
I also witnessed a lot of stream bank erosion while visiting local tributaries (see also: Wells Creek Blog Post) and got myself into a sticky situation when boating in shallow water near Bay City at the head of Lake Pepin. At one point, I had to get into the water and push the boat through the shallow water and sediment build-up. I witnessed firsthand how sediment entering Lake Pepin makes navigation and recreational use in the area extremely difficult (see also: Shallow Water Uncovers Sediment Problems). When visiting these locations, I met (at a distance) with amazing people that shared their experiences of tributaries and different parts of Lake Pepin to get a better understanding of how this valuable body of water has been changing, and is being changed.
Through my experiences, I have learned about the importance of water quality to the critical habitats Lake Pepin and surrounding waters provide, along with how it is able to impact a variety of different wildlife populations. Species such as the Northern Pike, Trumpeter Swans, the Common Merganser, and many more are directly impacted by water quality and sedimentation.
Back in Florida, preparing for another year at college, I am noticing and expecting to see many of the birds I researched around Lake Pepin. Many migrating birds that summer in Minnesota use the Mississippi River Flyway to winter along the Florida coast! One of the most unique observations I’ve had is the difference in the Common Loon’s plumage. Being black with white speckles in Minnesota summers, to becoming a light grey color during the Florida winters, this species of bird makes one of the most unique seasonal changes that I’ve seen! (See Common Loon Plumage here.)
Working with LPLA this past summer has reassured my career goals and interests of working with non-profit environmental organizations, and I hope to continue working in this area! I have loved exploring all Lake Pepin has to offer, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
Thank you, Jayden, for your endless curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to improving the natural world. Thank you the Lake Pepin partners and members who helped make Jayden’s internship experience valuable despite Covid-19 restrictions and changes. Jayden also completed a high school internship with LPLA in 2019.
