Understanding how change and adaptive management plays a role in natural resource sciences is key to preforming well in the field, as well as evaluating effects of management changes. Therefore, two studies were conducted: 1) to determine the value of skills taught in an interdisciplinary capstone course; and 2) to understand baseline water quality parameters in order to gauge subsurface drainages role in alterations in water quality. Overall, participants surveyed in the capstone course agreed the interdisciplinary approach of the class and skills taught was helpful following graduation. The study also shed light on areas that could be improved to provide more skill building opportunity. Baseline water quality observations helped to identify significant differences within the study areas five drainage areas. These observations will act as quality comparisons in the future once subsurface drainage is installed within the study area.