Senior Lecturer Sarah Deel teaches the lab section of Genes, Evolution and Development (Biology 125), which uses the Arboretum for two different experiments. In the fall, students conduct a project involving the DNA ‘barcoding’ of invertebrates they collect in the Arb to construct a phylogenetic tree. In the winter term, students brave the cold and venture into the Arb to collect Goldenrod galls, to assess whether there is genetic drift among gall flies between different prairies. Deel says that the lab Arb projects are valuable because “it’s really important for students early on in their time at Carleton to realize the Arb is available to them.” Even in the winter, with snow on the ground and cold wind, the Arb can still be a wonderful resource.
Deel also uses the Arb personally, for walks, time with her family, and “rejuvenation”. She also notes the value of having a relationship with Nancy Braker, the Arboretum director, to learn about management and observe some techniques like controlled burns.