Hands-on summer program with BHPFA, Sturgis Library, and Wind Cave connects youth to conservation through the Dragonfly Mercury Project

A Summer Day of Science in the Black Hills

Eight local teens traded in their summer reading lists for nets, waders, and science notebooks—stepping into the clear waters of Wind Cave National Park to help monitor mercury pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

This unique program, organized by the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA) in partnership with the Sturgis Library Summer Reading Program, gave participants a rare chance to take part in real-world environmental science.

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Local teens scooping up dragonfly nymphs for the mercury monitoring study.

 “Watching these kids step into a national park — some for the first time — and take part in real scientific research was incredible,” said Sierra Frazier-Riggs, Program Coordinator at the Sturgis Public Library.  “It means so much to help open doors like this.”

Why the Dragonfly Mercury Project Matters

The Dragonfly Mercury Project is a nationwide community science effort coordinated by the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Volunteers across the country collect dragonfly nymphs from streams, rivers, and wetlands. These larvae are sent to a USGS lab in Oregon, where scientists analyze mercury levels to assess risks to both ecosystems and human health.

Why dragonflies? These remarkable insects spend most of their lives underwater and absorb contaminants from their prey. Because they are top predators in the aquatic food chain, they are excellent indicators of mercury pollution levels.

 

5 Quick Facts About the Dragonfly Mercury Project

  1. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can harm fish, wildlife, and people.

  2. Dragonfly nymphs are collected from over 100 national parks across the U.S.

  3. The project began in 2011 and continues to inform environmental policy.

  4. Mercury pollution can come from coal burning, mining, and industrial waste.

  5. The Black Hills are an important monitoring site due to historic mining activity.

Behind the Scenes: Science in Action

Armed with nets, the students waded into the cool waters of Wind Cave’s creeks, learning how to carefully scoop sediment and vegetation where dragonfly nymphs hide. Each sample was examined, measured, and documented before being stored for shipment to the lab.

For many participants, this was their first time in a national park and their first experience contributing to a scientific study that could shape national policy.

“It’s a great example of how BHPFA can support our partners and connect the local community to the public lands in their backyard,” said Andrea Fountain, Program Manager at BHPFA.

Why Mercury Monitoring Matters in the Black Hills

Mercury is a persistent pollutant that travels long distances in the atmosphere before settling in water bodies. In aquatic environments, it can convert into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that accumulates in fish, birds, and mammals, including humans.

The Black Hills have unique environmental factors that make monitoring important:

  • Historic mining activity has the potential to contribute to localized mercury hotspots.
  • Cold-water streams and wetlands provide critical habitat for wildlife.
  • Outdoor recreation and fishing mean that mercury advisories directly affect local communities.

By participating in this project, these teens are contributing to a dataset that may influence environmental management decisions for decades.

A Community Effort

This day in the field wouldn’t have been possible without community and organizational support:

  • Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program provided a mini-grant to fund materials.

  • Wind Cave National Park rangers offered expert guidance and safety training.

  • BHPFA facilitated logistics and funded supplies.

  • Bulldog Auto Detailing provided lunch for the group—keeping energy high for the work ahead.

Get Involved: How You Can Help Protect Local Waters

Want to join the effort to protect our waterways and wildlife? Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Volunteer with BHPFA — Check our Events & Programs page for upcoming opportunities.

  • Support Community Science — Projects like this depend on grants and donations. Learn more about supporting BHPFA.

  • Visit Wind Cave National Park — Explore the park, take a ranger-led tour, and learn more about its unique ecosystems.

About the Partners

Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA)
A nonprofit dedicated to supporting education, interpretation, and conservation across the Black Hills’ national parks, forests, and grasslands. Learn more about our mission at blackhillsparks.org.

Sturgis Public Library
A community hub that fosters literacy, curiosity, and connection through programs for all ages.

Wind Cave National Park
One of America’s oldest national parks, known for its rare cave formations, mixed-grass prairie, and thriving wildlife. Learn more at nps.gov/wica.