Happy Holidays: Recycling Oddities
By Ventra Asana, D. Min, Community
Liaison
StAND, MSU Submitted November 3, 2023
As the year counts down and holidays loom, it might be a good idea to think about some clever ideas to recycle accumulated stuff. There are several ways to accomplish the task – all geared to coaxing a smile and generating a bit of fun. For example, did you know that you can help damaged turtles repair their shells? Some wildlife rescue groups use the clasping hooks to knit together portions of the shell for faster healing(https://www.today.com/pets/your-old-bra-can-help-injured-turtle-here-s-how-t157553).
Another helpful tool is discarded mascara brushes, that when cleaned, help wildlife rescue organizations to groom the fur of small animals (https://littlethings.com/pets/save-mascara-wands/3069571-2?utm_campaign=news&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_source=thl). Rescuers report that the wands have just the right properties for removing larvae and other unwanted items from the animals.
Finally, there’s a wonderful method to donate good used items after you’ve removed your Amazon orders. The company participates in the “Give Back Box” program that allows you to print out a mailing label, fill the box back up with great items (please make sure they’re useable and clean), then mail the contents for others to use.(https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/ways-to-give-back-on-amazon).
In this giving season, why not do something good for Planet Earth by adopting one of these practices? It might be just the thing to get us in the holiday mood, and in this way, everyone wins!
Regenerating Soils By Ventra Asana, D. Min, Community
Liaison StAND, MSU Submitted October 16, 2023
Amidst numerous dire reports about climate change, a recent study reveals new hope for soil fertility, that can help restore the carbon sink. Scientists report that people in the Kuikuro Indigenous Territory of the Amazon rainforest have been long been employing methods of soil regeneration in their waste removal practices. Geographers and archaeologists have discovered that ancient groups used the practice of cultivating middens – areas set aside to contain wastes of the society, including human wastes, food scraps, etc. These middens over time began to enrich the soils in which scraps were buried, resulting in a carbon sink dynamic that provided for successful planting for cassava and other foods necessary for survival (www.sciencealert.com/recipe-for-dark-earth-finally-uncovered-in-the-amazons-depths).
This research portends hope for renewal energy, in that carbon sink reservoirs can contribute greatly to mitigating climate change. Similar to the middens that ancient (and present) peoples of the rainforest utilized, another modern-day practice is the use of bokashi methods for food wastes. Here, soil is regenerated by using bokashi microorganisms to act as fermenting agents to develop faster usable soils than traditional methods of composting. Whether constructing middens or using bokashi methods for soil regeneration, it is essential to continue identifying new best practices to add to the carbon sink for earth renewal.
Moss: Carbon Sink Wonder
By Ventra Asana, D. Min, Community
Liaison
StAND, MSU Submitted September 15, 2023
Image Source:Pixabay
The next time you go walking – whether through the neighborhood or in your own backyard – look down and observe the lowly tuffs of moss you see there. It’s recently been discovered that soils containing moss have properties that can be vastly beneficial to ecological balance.
Sara Klimek reports in the online magazine, The Cooldown (www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/moss-ecological-value-soil-nutrients-carbon-dioxide) that geoscientist David J. Eldridge et. al additionally found that “mossy soils had greater cycling of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous … [acting] as a carbon sink by keeping … 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.” Further, mossy soils have the potential to help restore soils that have been destroyed or degraded because of fires, desertification, and other climate disasters. With so many dire reports afloat, it’s truly refreshing to learn that this discovery points the way to some good news to mitigate some of the damages related to climate change.
Hope for Ocean
By Ventra Asana, D. Min, Community
Liaison
StAND, MSU Submitted June 28, 2023
While dire reports proliferate about the acceleration of climate change, it is refreshing to also learn that nature is creating its own defenses to save the planet.
One such example is the existence of “Neptune Balls” – seagrass spheres that form under certain ocean conditions to capture floating pieces of plastic.
In an exciting article on the subject marine biology scientist Anna Sanchez-Vidal, from University of Barcelona, reports that “…plastic debris in the seafloor can be trapped in seagrass remains,
eventually leaving the marine environment through beaching" ( www.sciencealert.com/seagrass-neptune-balls-bundle-plastic-waste). Not only are the spheres beautiful,
but they also restore polluted water, which authors Macnamara and Hood report “…absorb CO2…exude oxygen and are a natural nursey and refuge for hundreds of species of fish.”
In this summer season that has just begun, it might prove greatly advantageous to consider how much plastic we consume, as homage to continuing the fight to keep it out of our waterways. In that effort, it is hopeful to discover that nature is assisting us by absorbing as much as it can.
SHAC lab research
StAND, MSU Submitted June 1, 2023
SHAC lab research highlighted in MSU Today: This research was conducted by current and former lab members, Katie Brown, Aaron Reuben and Kim Clevenger, with mentorship from Dr. Pearson and Dr. Pfeiffer. We found that nature views from classrooms, and trees in particular, may lower behavior issues in young children. Check out the article!
Assisting Green Science
By Ventra Asana, D. Min, Community
Liaison
StAND, MSU Submitted May 10, 2023
If you re like some people
distressed at the accelerating travesty of earth destruction in its many forms
like increasingly shrinking animal populations, polluted waterways, extremes in
weather, and more then you may not be aware of a dynamic way to help mitigate
these problems. Citizen Science is a burgeoning field of practical application
to assist scientists in their overall data collection. It is described as scientific
research conducted with participation from the general public (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_science). In
this practice, ordinary citizens can choose an area of science to monitor and
partner with professionals in that field to record data on the subject.
There are
numerous such avenues, resources, and references for novice citizen scientists
to get started. However, the most important task is to first identify what most
interests you. Are you passionate about birds extinction? Then the Cornell Lab
of Ornithology (https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/) provides
opportunities to log bird migrations. Or if you want to help ensure more plastics
reduction, contact the Oceanic Society in their project Global Ocean Cleanup
(https://www.oceanicsociety.org). Maybe
you want to monitor the skies? Head on over to The American Association of
Variable Star Observers to become part of their Citizen Sky group (https://www.aavso.org/).
Additionally, many resources exist to inform citizen scientists including
organizations like Citizen Science Association (https://citizenscience.org/) and others,
and references like The Field Guide to Citizen Science (Cavalier,
Hoffman, and Cooper). Take some time to explore ways you can get more involved
in active earth care by considering if the arena of citizen science interests
you.
# # #
Greening the Roof
By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community Liaison
March 30, 2023
Reducing or mitigating climate change is a long game, with no quick fixes. Though it may seem easier to adopt behaviors like using recycle bins, consuming products that promote “zero waste”, or reducing carbon overloads by walking, biking, or carpooling – everyday realities often find us slipping back into habits that may be easier. That’s nothing to fret about. Improving the planet will require all these actions and more, as each of us explore new paths.
Adopting green roof technology is one such method that can considerably assist the planet. A green roof contains vegetation that is supported by a growing medium, rather than soil, under which a waterproof membrane is created to support the structure. While there are many methods that contribute to green roof construction, one source reports that there are at least five advantages to them (1) reduction of water runoff, (2) energy efficiency, (3) improved air quality, (4) beneficial to habitat and, (5) being longer lasting than regular roofs (http://commons.bcit.ca/greenroof/faq/why-green-roofs-benefits/).
While it will require considerable physical and financial input to implement sustainable technologies like installing a green roof, the planet will do better overall. In this way, planning strategically in the present can help to ensure that future generations experience improved climate conditions. The present sacrifice is worth it, for long term climate gains.
Sustainable Coffee
By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community Liaison
February 23, 2023
Countless controversies swirl as to
whether folk should be drinking coffee. Some specialists opine that it is
detrimental to the nervous system, while others insist that it sharpens mental
acuity. Former White House chef Sam Kass reports that
coffee is one of the world’s foods that will become scarce, along with others
like rice, wine, chocolate, and shellfish
(https://www.foodandwine.com/white-house-chef-says-coffee-will-be-scarce-science-6890269).
But if you enjoy the taste of a
freshly brewed “cuppa jitter juice” it is extremely
important to sustainably support the farmers who grow coffee.
Studies show that the coffee most
consumed by drinkers is of the “coffee Arabica” varietals. Many blends of
coffee derive from this main type. However, it is a crop more adversely
impacted by certain factors, including climate change (extreme temperatures,
drought) and excess deforestation. Experts are urging coffee producers to
diversity their crops by planting coffee Robusto.
This type of coffee has been shown to stand up more strongly against
destructive forces than does coffee Arabica (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261976). However, currently the production
of this coffee varietal is more expensive for farmers to grow. It will require
sacrifices on the part of consumers to support those who sustainably grow
coffee, by purchasing it in our grocery stores and markets. While this
sacrifice directly affects our budget, it is one small way to contribute to the
continued production of good coffee, so as to push
back against the stoppage of coffee, altogether.
Black History Month!
Feet, Hearts Forward!
By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community Liaison
January 25, 2023
Here we go again, into the wild blue yonder, challenged by a New Year. Like me, you may be considering what will be the actions you’ll undertake as goals in several areas: personal, societal, spiritual, etc. I see 2023 as a chance to add to this list the intention to create an “earth care” plan that will make sense to you, and that will actually be doable.
For me, this earth care plan includes shoring up/improving tasks already done inp revious years. For example, continuing community gardening work with Keep Growing Detroit, where we pay memberships to obtain quality seeds and hot and cold crop plants, and attend specialized workshops in canning, mushroom growing and so much more. I also want to keep supporting the butterflies through the auspices of LaNita’s Butterfly Garden, to help the creatures find the best habitat to thrive. There may be more I can do, but I think these are agood place to start.
How about you? Have you thought about what earth care assistance you can provide in the city? You don’t have to take on the whole world of ecology reform – just deciding to do something can make all the difference to improve our environment!
Loving Earth, Recycling Trees
By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community Liaison
November 25, 2022
It’s that time of year again when our thoughts and actions turn to celebrations of the holidays.
It’s astounding that decorations for them start cropping up in stores right after Halloween. We can scarcely catch our breath for one season before we’re being pushed into the next, and the next.
But it’s as important as ever to hold fast to our determination to engage critical earth care at year-end, as we have throughout the year.
One thing that can greatly benefit the planet is to recycle our living Christmas trees. There are several uses for leftover trees that serve the natural habitat, contribute to landscape restoration and more.
Several great tips for recycling trees suggested from The National Christmas Association (https://realchristmastrees.org/all-about-trees/how-to-recycle) include
- • Leaving trees at curbside for pickup
- • Drop-off at recycling centers
- • Donating them for municipal mulch programs
- • Donation to nonprofits for fundraising projects
- • Adding to the compost bin
With so many opportunities to carefully consider keeping trees out of the landfill, we are practicing yet another aspect of intentional earth care. If you are setting up a live tree this year, take some time now to choose one of these ideas to implement. The earth and its creatures will thank you.
Biophilic Design
By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community Liaison
October 25, 2022
You may have heard the saying: “There’s nothing new under the sun”, thought to have had origins in the ancient biblical text of Ecclesiastes and probably overused today. But recently while attending the 6th Annual Sustainable Detroit Forum of the
United States Green Building Council (USGBC) held at Wayne State University, I discovered an earth-friendly building practice being used more frequently across the globe: biophilic design. Biophilic design is an architectural strategy that combines elements of nature and space to afford beauty and well-being for human occupants.
While the term itself is new to me, research reveals that the idea has been around since the “hanging gardens of Babylon” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophilic_design).Further, while Wikipedia discusses psychoanalyst Eric Fromm having first evolved biophilia as a theoretical framework wherein humans express a profound passion for life “whether…person, plant, idea or social group”, modern day architects attribute its origins to Edward O. Wilson (1984).
HELL STRIPS: An Undersirable Name for a Desirable Outcome By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison September 27, 2022 Whatever you might contemplate when you hear the word “hell”, it probably conjures unpleasant thoughts and images. Many of these derive from depictions of torture and agony inflicted upon ne’er-do-wells,
doomed to suffer eternally in the next life, because of their misdoings in this one (think Dante’s The Divine Comedy in literature and Ebenezer Scrooge in film). Probably few people would equate notions of hell with “the good life”–and it’s doubtless the same for anything with the word hell as a description.
Because the soil may be of poor quality it’s important to build it up a bit before planting. And be sure to check with municipal authorities before putting in plants, as well. A thorough study of the best perennial plants for pollinators can be found through the Michigan State extension at
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening and for a great read on hell strips, visit this website https://www.ecolandscaping.org/. Let’s hope that the next time you hear “hell”, you’ll equate it with the opportunity to do something good for the environment and neighborhood!
On Water, Part 2: Those Incredible Beavers! By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison September 1, 2022 I've recently been astonished to learn that the odd-looking beaver could be the antidote to stem some of the disastrous effects of the world's current drought conditions. It seems that the beaver–though often considered a nuisance to private property
owners and land management systems such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (Department of the Interior)–can still be viewed as conducive to restoring natural water systems such as rivers and lakes.
On Water, Part 1: In the Face of Severe Drought Consider the Art of the Bund By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison July 27, 2022 There is a huge need for ecological restoration for the earth to replenish its water reserves. In the U.S. and globally, skirmishes over who “owns” water resources often degenerate into the issue of “water conflict”.
This term describes “a conflict between countries, states, or groups over the rights to access water resources” (See: Wikipedia, Water Conflict). Currently in the U.S. several states have long jealously observed that Michigan, as one of eight states situated within the Great Lakes Basin, should share its water with less arid areas including
California and Nevada. Legal battles are being waged as to how much, if any, Michigan water should be shared.
Petosky Prize Winner 2022 By Dr. Amber Pearson June 30, 2022
Detroit Audubon's Diane Cheklich is awarded the Petosky Prize 2022 from Michigan Environmental Council. Diane has worked tirelessly to establish Detroit Bird City,
in an effort to conserve bird habitat in Detroit, a major flyway for hundreds of bird species annually.Click here to view article. Earthing By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison June 15,2022 There is so much that is devastating in today's world, that it often feels overwhelming to the point of no return.
Yet again, the economy is in dire straits, with inflation adversely tanking our savings, running up grocery bills and severely curtailing the use of our gas-guzzling vehicles. And there is yet another war draining the nation’s coffers,
between Russia and the Ukraine. At some point one could wonder: how are we ever going to right these wrongs? Well, while it’s understandable that despair might be the order of the day, there are many things we can do to stem the negative emotional tide.
Getting into nature doesn’t require any depletion of our money reserves – it’s free for the taking. A very effective technique for restoring our emotional timbre is to practice “earthing”, sometimes called “grounding”. It’s the process of walking or standing barefoot on the earth,
and it’s deemed as extremely beneficial to the body. Studies reveal that it connects the body to free electrons in the earth’s magnetic field such that maladies like high blood pressure, depression, sleeplessness and more, are rerouted to improve overall health. There is a maelstrom
of disagreement about whether earthing is real or a hoax. But what I know is this: when I take off my shoes and stand on the cool grass or walk on the warm sand at the beach at Belle Isle, I can almost hear my body’s cells singing praise to me. It is just a momentary reprieve. But I begin to relax.
I feel at peace and exhilarate from this small act of enjoying nature. And the noise of daily life is silenced in the doing of nature encounter, rather than all the relentless talk about it. Try it…you will be pleasantly surprised. Forest Bathing By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison May 2,2022 Recently, there has been a surfeit of ecological articles on the trend of “forest bathing” and its beneficial attributes.
Forest bathing – derived from adherents in Japan – is the term given to describe the practice of connecting to the beauty of nature by immersing oneself in woodlands, be they forests, parks or wilderness landscapes. Practitioners
claim that it can restore one to increased health, particularly in the areas of sharpened focus to observe nature, restore the body to more optimal functioning, lessen anxiety and other depressive maladies. Like many, I sometimes grow weary of the seemingly unending admonishments to do more to steward the earth, for there is so much to do.
We are constantly bombarded with the need to recycle, reuse, redo – to be steadfast in our efforts as eco-contributors. So, I skeptically categorized this idea of forest bathing as one more thing to add to my bucket list. But Im willing to undertake the challenge.
The closest “forest” in Detroit is Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre island and city-owned park run by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Whenever I venture out to the park, I’m newly amazed at its beauty and diversity of bird life, insects, and flowers.
And while it’s presently too chilly for me to stand in a thicket of trees with high winds blowing, I’m rather curious to see how I’ll feel when the weather warms up. I want to give myself the gift of nature washing over me, helping me to reduce stress and come further alive.
This is one challenge I want to undertake – how about you? Jumpstarting Spring By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison March 9, 2022 In these early days of March, we may be chafing at the bit, eager to get on with the budding of flowers and trees, fresh breezes and
sustained warmth. After prolonged ravages of snow and ice, it's no wonder that we want to jumpstart spring season. Whether you’re a gardener, a picnicker or even someone
who just wants to take a good walk or run, it looks like the winter continues to obstinately cling to the calendar. But brighter days are imminent. One way to satisfy such longings is to visit a nearby botanical garden. These gardens – often administered by colleges and universities –
were created to demonstrate the diversity of plants from local and global collections, with their botanical names displayed. One source says “... [they] may contain … cacti
and other succulent plants, herb gardens … tropical plants, alpine plants, or other exotic plants” (Seehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botanical_garden). There are many botanical gardens that may satisfy that “spring itch”. In East Lansing, why not take in the views at the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden, located on the campus of Michigan State University?
This garden identifies itself as the oldest in the United States, “established in 1873 by Professor William James Beal (http://www.cpa.msu.edu/beal/beal_frames.htm). Another MSU botanical garden can be found at the Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum, which was found in 1984. This garden was uniquely established to assist landscape students in their careers.
Finally, in Detroit, there is the beautiful Anna Scripps Howard Conservatory located on Belle Isle State Park. Created in 1904, the conservatory sits on 13 acres, features an 85-foot dome to accommodate tropical palms,
and is touted as the oldest facility of its kind in the United States. I’m convinced that a visit to any of these magnificent gardens will instantly refresh our winter-worn souls. Image Source: historicdetroit.org
Try a Rain Chain FOCUS: Raingardens,
bioswales, rain chains By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison February 15, 2022 In the quest to work more sustainably with the environment to mitigate climate change ravages, the use of a rain chain presents a great opportunity to harvest water. The rain chain - increasingly becoming more popular in the United States - had its origins in Japanese culture. They are used in two main capacities: (1) as decorative items to adorn religious temples, and (2) residentially, to capture water for reuse in Japanese homes. In the classical structure, they consist of a series of bell shapes with a hole in the bottom, through which the rain can be directed. they can also be vertical chain links from which the rain cascades, freeform or into a catchment. Of course, rain chains can also be shaped in a variety of designs. Image Source: Pixaby
Rain chains are not only aesthetically beautiful, but they also are a practical way to harvest rain reserves. Particularly, when coupled with a rain barrel, they can further provide much-needed water for the garden as well as preventing sewer overflows. Can you imagine how beautiful neighborhoods would be with the installation of rain chains? We might want to challenge ourselves this year to exchange a downspout with a rain chain as another viable method of earth stewardship!
Water Remediation Part 2 FOCUS: Raingardens,
bioswales, rain chains By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison January 4, 2022 The problem of water excesses brought about by climate
change is almost solely enough to discourage us from forming solutions to turn
it around. To wit, the recent summer flood incidents in Detroit and its
surrounding suburbs caused residents to lose not only material goods, but also
resulted in structural damage to basement walls and home foundations. A few
years earlier in 2018, residents of Michigan's Upper Peninsula experienced major
roads washed away, homes saturated with mud, and sadly, the loss of lives. In
both cases, Michigan was granted emergency relief status on recommendation of
former Governor Rick Snyder and current Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which
allowed federal assistance to provide relief. While federal relief is certainly foremost to help
restore systems damaged by catastrophic rain events, there are some more
immediate methods that we can do to help mitigate excess water runoff. Two of
these include rain gardens and bioswales. A rain garden
is a system that provides a catchment for rain overflow to collect in a shallow
earth depression in which vegetation is planted, as well as drainage materials
like a gravel bed and larger rocks. The depression should be approximately 8-10
inches, with a sloping portion that will allow rain to pool so as to absorb
into the soil. It is helpful to know the exact composition of the soil, as clay
soil will respond better with the addition of peat or gravel (https://hellohomestead.com/replace-that-soggy-section-of-lawn-with-a-rain-garden/?ref=listing-item-2). Bioswales provide additional strong deterrents from
overflooding, but they are much more involved than constructing a rain garden.
They require a buildout of more at least 10 feet away from a home or building.
Additionally, measurements must include necessary slope and depth of at least
6-10 inches, and account for center placement of the depression. This can be
more easily determined by using a bioswale calculator (http://www.ppnenvironmental.com/build-bioswale Whether deciding to build a raingarden or a bioswale,
these are two viable solutions to mitigate storm runoff that will greatly
benefit the landscape and contribute to healthy animal and bird life as well. Water, Protecting Our
Precious Resource Part 1 By Ventra Asana, D. Min., Community
Liaison October 13, 2021
Ask almost anyone their views on the worth of water and you’ll hear that it is valuable. We can survive in dire situations
for a while without food, but most indicators show that people can endure for about three days without water. Not only is
water central to the successful function of our vital organs and overall health, this natural resource is crucial to the restoration of the earth,
overall. And as catastrophic climate change continues to rage, decimating forests, land masses, air and soil, water is equally caught in its
ravages. Many global communities are being devastated by extreme water weather events like floods, mudslides, drought and much more – all
precipitated by either the severe lack of, or too much water. In the case of the former, droughts are devastating life for villages in Madagascar,
while the World Atlas reports that at least 10 countries have the greatest issues of water shortages, including Ethiopia, the Sudan, China, Iran, Uganda
and others (https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-drought-prone-countries-in-the-world.html) Meanwhile, in the United States at least “…90 percent of what it considers the West — California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana — is in drought.” (seehttps://www.nytimes.com/article/drought-california-western-united-states.html) The problem of excess water is also worsening in the U.S. Increasingly, cities and rural areas are repeatedly experiencing the oversaturation of water runoff that floods basements, overruns seawalls and sewerage drains. What can we do to mitigate
these problems? In the case of water excesses, green stormwater
systems offer some indicators that excess water runoff can provide relief.
While some systems like French drain installations, geothermal construction and
installing meadows may prove cost prohibitive for most homeowners, there are
some less expensive methods to contain rainwater. Particularly, constructing rain
gardens and bioswales are two ways that can greatly contribute to green
stormwater improvements. Stay tuned to more discussion on how these systems
can be implemented.
The Problem with City Trees by Ventra Asana, D.Min./Community Liaison-StAND September 7, 2021
Environmentalists have long discussed this as a vital need to mitigate the harmful
effects of catastrophic climate change, including rising land temperatures. While no one is exempt, for communities that are economically disenfranchised,
especially those of color, the issue of hard concrete surfaces in city neighborhoods exacerbates the problem of rising temperatures, resulting in “heat islands”.
Where there is a lack of tree canopies, residents suffer from the effects of heatstroke and other ailments directly related to extreme heat events.
A recent article by Nina Ignaczak in Planet Detroit (planetdetroit.org) underscores the necessity to provide adequate tree cover for several impoverished urban areas in Michigan.
Further, the nonprofit organization American Forests provides a “Tree Equity Score” for determining adequate tree cover in such communities, with a score of up to 100 wherein the
lowest scale highlights the dire need to plant more trees. Examining vastly differing economic extremes in two Michigan cities, Bloomfield Hills
and Detroit (the articles lists several more), we learn that the suburb of Bloomfield Hills has a score of 100, while Detroit City hovers around 80.
Though the lower score is not as bad as some cities, it highlights the problem of neighborhoods that have little housing and huge swaths of vacant land,
without enough trees.
There is some good news. Several community groups are working to restore tree canopy in urban areas. Residents are working with The Greening of Detroit (https://www.greeningofdetroit.com/) in a series of tree plantings to share more trees. The organization has planted over 130,000 trees since 1989. Though the city will have to work very hard to restore its once lush tree canopy, there is great hope that tree restoration is well on the way!
Black Birder's Week March 25, 2021 It is national black birder's week May 30 - June 5 !!!.
https://www.delawareonline.com/story/life/2021/02/24/black-birders-week-spotlights-racism-and-resilience-african-americans/4538171001/Black Birders Week
Research Article: A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks By Rachel Buxton, Amber Pearson, Claudia Allou, Kurt Fristrup,& George Wittemyer
April 6, 2021
In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America peer reviewed journal, read the research article by Rachel Buxton
(Carleton University), Amber Pearson (Michigan State University), Claudia Allou (Michigan State University), Kurt Fristrup (Colorado State University),
and George Wittemyer (Colorado State University): A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks.
“This study examines evidence of the health benefits of natural soundscapes and quantifies the prevalence of restorative acoustic environments in national parks across
the United States. The results affirm that natural sounds improve health, increase positive affect, and lower stress and annoyance. Also, analyses reveal many national
park sites with a high abundance of natural sound and low anthropogenic sound. Raising awareness of natural soundscapes at national parks provides opportunities to enhance
visitor health outcomes. Despite more abundant anthropogenic sound, urban and frequently visited sites offered exposure to natural sounds associated with health benefits,
making them a valuable target for soundscape mitigation. Our analysis can inform spatial planning that focuses on managing natural soundscapes to enhance human health and experiences.”
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2013097118
Listening to Nature Gives You a Real Rocky Mountain High April 5, 2021 In Smithsonianmag.com read about how Listening to Nature Gives You a Real Rocky Mountain High:
Sounds like birdsong and flowing water may alleviate stress, help lower blood pressure and lead to feelings of tranquility. Carleton University conservation biologist
Rachel “Buxton teamed up with researchers from the National Park Service and Colorado State University to author a 2019 study documenting manmade noise in U.S. national parks.
The study was part of a growing pile of research exploring noise’s negative impacts on animals and humans alike. Noise makes it hard for animals to find food and mates and can
lead humans to suffer stress, high blood pressure and other ailments.” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-listening-sounds-nature-can-be-restorative-180977397/
Soothing Sounds of Nature Helps Boost Mental Health March 29, 2021 Watch 9 News reporter Marc Sallinger interview Rachel Buxton
(Carleton University) and George Wittemyer (Colorado State University) about the recent study A synthesis of health benefits of natural
sounds and their distribution in national parks, published March 22, 2021 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "We actually
have pretty good evidence that there’s major health benefits to being exposed to nature. The evidence is really clear. Listening to natural sounds reduces stress,
reduces annoyance and it’s correlated with positive health benefits,” said Wittemyer….."They’ve really gotten a lot of us through this pandemic.
Spending time in parks, spending time listening to natural sounds, they’ve really gotten us through," said Buxton. "Close your eyes and listen to what’s
around you. Listen to the birds singing and the wind rustling the leaves in the trees." https://www.9news.com/article/news/health/mental-health/csu-study-nature-sounds-mental-health/73-279ae57d-7f22-44c0-9013-efe9aecd4f91 How Nature Sounds Affect Well Being March 26, 2021 Treehugger, a blog that claims to be the world’s largest information
site dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream, highlighted a paper by lead author Rachel Buxton (Carleton University)
A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks. “For their research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Buxton and her team identified three dozen studies that examined the health benefits of natural sound.... Some examples they found reported in those studies
included decreased pain, lowered stress, improved mood, and better cognitive function. We found many health-bolstering sites in parks — sites with abundant natural
sounds and little interference from noise. The importance of water sounds may relate to the critical role of water for survival, as well as the capacity of continuous
water sounds to mask noise,” the researchers wrote, pointing out that water features are often used in landscapes to mask noise and to make urban greenspaces more
pleasant…there was also some evidence that natural sounds have benefits over silence”. target="_blank">https://www.treehugger.com/how-nature-sounds-affect-well-being-5118280 Additional Information on the Impact that Nature's Sounds Have on Mental Health This study is featured on News Center Maine’s page https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/health/mental-health/csu-study-nature-sounds-mental-health/73-279ae57d-7f22-44c0-9013-efe9aecd4f91 This study is featured on Quirks and Quarks. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/mar-27-covid-pandemic-origins-nature-sounds-good-why-humans-have-such-big-brains-and-more-1.5965083/nature-s-sounds-improve-well-being-reducing-stress-and-even-pain-1.5965089 This is featured in HealthDay, the world’s largest syndicator of health news and content, and providers of custom health/medical content. https://consumer.healthday.com/3-24-waves-crashing-birds-singing-natures-sounds-bring-healing-study-finds-2651144585.html
This study is featured in Country Living UK, a magazine that features lifestyle advice on health and fitness, country travel, and rural real estate. Country Living UK
This study is featured in Macau Business, Macau's oldest English language publication. https://www.macaubusiness.com/natural-soundscapes-boost-health-markers-lower-stress/ This study is featured on CTV news in Canada. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/natural-soundscapes-boost-health-markers-and-lower-stress-canadian-study-finds-1.5357623
This study is featured in MentalFloss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/644055/hearing-national-park-nature-sounds-has-health-benefits The following organizations and businesses have supported our research in Detroit neighborhoods.
In the session “Rooftop Oasis: A Transformation for Health and Wholeness” biophilic architect Anne M. Cox discussed that one of the key components is to provide nature-oriented design for effective health and wellness. This is accomplished by using features of water, plants, air, light and direct views of nature, as well as artworks that incorporate these elements in the design.
As viewers in the session, we were privy to the effectiveness of biophilic design, in that the lecture room was created to focus our gaze on plants and direct light from the campus. This allowed a sense of calmness, helping me to even transcend the frantic pace of the Forum, itself. I departed with a renewed hope that this type of design can be used to restore cities and their residents to spaces of increased tranquility,
even in the midst of excessive urban noise and chaos.
It’s no less so for an area of landscape called “hell strips”. These scant patches between the street and sidewalk are most often littered with ugly weeds, litter, and other debris. Most of us walk past them without any regard to their potential. But hell strips can offer great contributions to air quality, habitat for bees and butterflies, and visual enjoyment.
It cannot be ignored that the destructive traits of beavers are worrying. For example, one study demonstrates that they can “cause damage by 1) gnawing on trees or crops; 2) flooding trees, crops, property, or transportation corridors (roads, airports, railways) through dam building; and 3) degrading and destabilizing banks and levees through burrowing”
(See:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/reports/Wildlife). These types of infrastructural devastations not only destabilize the natural environment, but also result in astronomical costs to revitalize the landscape.
However, it is imperative to also acknowledge the ways in which beavers help to restore droughted land to flourished conditions. For example, as beavers build dams they improve the landscape by 1) causing streams of water to go deeper, which allows them to be cooler, 2) improve groundwater by cooling it down and forcing it to the surface, resulting in
cooler air temperatures, and helping to slow fire burns by flooding land with water (See:https://www.vox.com/down-to-earth/23273240/heat-wave-beavers-climate-change). All these improved conditions, assisted by the enterprising work of beavers, point to some good news for mitigating climate change because of drought conditions. Well done, beavers!
However, there is some good news. One exciting exception to this problem is the cultivation of a method to restore water by creating bunds. Bunds are “semi-circular shaped pits that capture rainwater” (See:www.justdiggit.org/what-we-do-/landscape-restoration/water-bunds). In Tanzania and other African countries, the nonprofit Just Dig It trains residents to dig bunds to regreen areas where previously there was no vegetation. The process is successfully growing green landscape, and even protects against
flooding. How can we learn from this and reflect on our water abundance in Michigan?
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