The USDA has approved the Galerucella beetle, a natural predator from Europe for use in Purple loosestrife control. Section Two of the Cooperator's Handbook provides details on the biology, ecology and management of these two organisms, and includes additional references for teachers and students. Locate a site with a fairly large, medium to heavy infestation of purple loose strife. Arrange a field trip to the site or someone to collect at the site. While on site, students individually or in groups of two, map and record site observations such as surrounding human activity, plant and animal life, water amount and flow etc.
Students draw map noting surrounding roads and locating observed plants and animals water etc.
On map note, time of day, year and weather observations. This may impact findings. Divide students into groups of 3-4 for collection. To collect data in the field, students choose several indigenous plants on the site to compare to the purple loosestrife found there. Sit or stand quietly and observe the plants for visitors that might be feeding.