David and Kim setting the trap in
Sheldon Marsh
Interview
with Kim Mascarella
by Ayesha Gray
1 September 1997
A: Well, Kim, welcome. We are glad to have fresh blood here on the Third, Fifth Annual Bug Safari. Give us a little background on yourself and how you came to be involved with the North American Light Trapping Effort.
K: I am a student from Youngstown State University specializing in environmental science with an emphasis in chemistry. Robyn has been "bugging" me for the past year and a half, but I could just never make it. Robyn called me Sunday night and here I am on Monday afternoon!
Kim, David and Robyn with the light
trap
A: Today on your first day you were hip deep and shoeless in muck setting the bug trap in Sheldon Marsh. So, what is your initial impression of the Ohio Bug Safari?
K: Really, I am just impressed with sense of commitment everyone has to such a vital research project. However, I didn't expect to be SO involved on the first day.
A: Have you ever been hip deep in a wetland before today?
K: Never. You can't see beneath the water and as you take your first step you sunk a foot, at LEAST a foot, into this thick mud. I didn't know how deep the mud was going to get and being only 5 feet tall I was wondering if David was going to have to save me. "Is there a rope in the van?" I was thinking. There is a similar area where I mountain bike in Youngstown and it is covered with lily pads. I remember riding by wondering what it was like underneath and now I know.
David and Kim in Sheldon Marsh
A: How was your life changed today?
K: That's as deep as the mud, Ayesha. All the research I have done has been in a library. This was the hands on experience I have been looking for on an issue I feel is underrepresented.
A: What are your expectations for tomorrow?
K: After rising at SIX AM?!? I hope to be included in the canoe trip to collect the bug traps, and hopefully catch a glimpse of the nesting eagles.
A: We will talk again tomorrow and get your thoughts on Old Woman Creek and the eagles. Until then....
The Continuing Interview with Kim Mascarella
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