Biology Research Opportunities

I have been conducting research at Caddo Lake and its watershed since 1993. Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state of Texas and is one of the largest bald cypress ecosystems in the United States. In 1993 it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.  The lake is noted for supporting high populations of fish and wildlife including a significant number of threatened and endangered species, having unmatched recreational opportunities, and a healthy ecotourism industry. Public facilities at the lake include the Caddo Lake State Park and Wildlife Management Area and the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

My studies at Caddo Lake and its watershed focus on its plants and water quality. I have conducted several studies of the bald cypress forest including studies on its productivity, growth, and reproduction. I also have conducted several studies on the aquatic macrophytes of the lake including the invasive species water hyacinth and giant salvinia. Since 1996 I have taken monthly water quality samples at various locations in the lake.  The objective of these studies is to regular monitor the water quality in various areas of the lake and to identify water quality trends over time. Working in collaboration with the Texas Clean Rivers Program, four times per year I visit various creeks and reservoirs in the Caddo Lake watershed in order to monitor water quality upstream of the lake. My work is in collaboration with East Texas Baptist University, the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Monitoring Solutions, and the Caddo Lake Institute.

I especially encourage students to become involved with my research so that the student can learn current field and laboratory techniques which will aid them in graduate studies or in finding a job. Students can also participate in our internship program in which they can work with fish and wildlife personnel in northeast Texas. If you are interested in these opportunities, please contact me at rdarville@etbu.edu.

You might find some of the following websites about Caddo Lake of interest:

• Caddo Lake State Park
• Northeast Texas Municipal Water District
• Clean Rivers Program of TCEQ  
• The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands