Digital Commons Network^™

Middle School Student Attitudes Towards Garden Based Learning: A Case Study At Park Middle School, Jake Arneson

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A case study was performed at a middle school in Lincoln Nebraska. The study centered around how to effectively implement an after school garden program through the Boys and Girls club on site at the school. The first year of the study showed low attendance numbers. The second year of the study recorded participation frequencies of individual students and gathered attitude assessments. The assessments were then matched with the participation frequencies in order to determine reasons for attending or not attending. The study found that social aspects and a feeling of importance of knowing how one grows and obtains food …

Demographic Indicators Of Reported Value Of Nebraska's Natural Resources, Chelsea Forehead

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

This research was conducted in various towns of eastern and central Nebraska using a survey which asked respondents about how valuable the resources and ecological benefits are that were to be involved in the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Surveys were administered in public locations using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. A total of 38 respondents from the eastern region and 40 from the central region were surveyed. The research seeks to investigate if there is correlation between certain demographic categories and high value placed on the environmental facets in question. Do males or females place higher …

Evaluating The Success Of Individually Owned Vs. Cooperative Agritourism Businesses In Nebraska, Craig Easley

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Agritourism has been practiced by Nebraskans for many years; it offers an alternative land use

and has a positive economic impact for business owners as well as the local community. The agritourism industry in Nebraska is relatively minor but the unique landscape and traditions allow great potential to for it to grow. Consumer demand for rural nature-based activities remains a largely untapped source of income on the Northern Great Plains’ privately owned grasslands (Schutz). The potential for agritourism to expand and become a large economic incentive for Nebraska is the reason Nebraska was chosen for this study. Agritourism is often …

Microcystin Toxin In Nebraska Lakes With Correlation Of Population And Agriculture Use, Kaitlyn Haras

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

No abstract provided.

Small-Wind And Residential Photovoltaic In Nebraska: Barriers To Development, Jerrod Bley

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

No abstract provided.

Potential Effects Of Two Asian Carp Species On Pallid Sturgeon, Daniel Kent

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Invasive species have had a major impact all over the world in their introduced ranges. In the U.S., none has been more obvious than the Asian carp species Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). Famous for their jumping abilities, these carp have also had a detrimental effect on many of our native fish species by out competing them for food sources. Asian carp are found in many of our central waterways and reside within the same range as one of our nation’s endangered fish species, the Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). This is …

Pharmacists' Role In Safe And Legal Medication Disposal, Allyson Lamb

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

No abstract provided.

Achieving Sustainability In The Craft Brewing Industry, Mike Boden

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Continued growth in the craft brewing industry, coupled with natural resource limitations suggests the need for implementation of sustainable initiatives on a wide scale. These initiatives discussed include the areas of economic sustainability through cooperative growth and equilibrium, social sustainability through employee and community development, and environmental sustainability through energy and water conservation and renewable energy use. Specific techniques to achieve sustainability in the craft brewing industry are reviewed alongside case studies of craft breweries currently implementing these techniques. A sustainable metric is outlined for use in accomplishing these goals.

Resource Distribution And The French Revolution, Louan Pagan

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Throughout the centuries following the French Revolution (1789 -1799), social scientists and historians have attributed a myriad of causes to the sociopolitical upheaval. Food and beverages played a key role in the coming of French Revolution, for the people were in effect fighting for the right to have nutrition rather than for social or political ideals. Literary analysis of both primary and secondary sources illustrated the integral role of the peasant’s stomach to the uprising. The Enlightenment disillusionment of the royals, rising bread prices, discrepancy in food distribution both within and around Paris, and substandard quality of food, wine, and …

Predicting Lemna Minor Growth Rate Response To Temperature Fluctuations, Elizabeth Novich

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The effects of global climate change on populations may be further understood when environmental variability is included. There are strong theoretical reasons that support the idea that environmental fluctuations matter when studying ecological systems. In order to further explore this, we parameterized a model of the growth rate of Lemna minor at constant temperatures and made predictions on how L. minor would respond to fluctuating temperatures based on this model. There were four trials performed that compared the difference between growth rates at constant and fluctuating temperatures in order to test if our predictions were correct. For our results, only …

Do Tree Species In A Bornean Mixed Dipterocarp Forest Display Preferential Uptake Of Different Nitrogen Forms?, Jocelyn Onley

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Lambir Hills National Park in Malaysian Borneo is composed of dipterocarp tree species which specialize on different soil types. Although the mechanisms contributing to this distribution of tree species are unknown, one hypothesis is that tree species at Lambir differ in their preferences for different nitrogen forms. In this study we investigated (1) whether clay soil and sandy loam soil types at Lambir differ in the availability of ammonium and nitrate and (2) whether tree species specializing on either clay soil or sandy loam soil at Lambir have differing preferences or capacities to take up ammonium, nitrate, or glycine (organic …

Developing Environmental Sustainability Criteria For University Research Laboratories: A Tool For Rating And Implementing Green Methodology In Labs, Maxine White

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

This study examines sustainable behavior and methodology in university research labs. Environmental problems like global warming are becoming common knowledge to many people throughout the world, and it is necessary for humans to live in more sustainable ways that leave a healthy planet for future generations. Universities are an important part of the global community, and it is pertinent that they become more involved in sustainable efforts. University research laboratories produce large amounts of regular and hazardous waste, use massive amounts of energy, and are currently not operating in sustainable ways. The purpose of this study is to determine the …

A Comparison Of Moist-Soil Seed Sampling Techniques In The Nebraska Rainwater Basin, Lisa Zilli

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Wetland managers sometimes estimate seed production of wetlands managed for migrating waterfowl habitat. Using estimation techniques, managers can determine if wetland plants produce enough seed to support the nutritional needs of migrating waterfowl. Usually, a one-time sampling method is used; this technique samples seeds once a year during peak seed production. However, this technique may underestimate seed production due to plants producing large quantities of seed before or after peak seed production or producing seed throughout the growing season. Season long sampling may be more representative of a wetland’s seed production. We comparing one-time sampling with season- long sampling by …

The Role Of Emotion In Understanding And Promoting Sustainability And Eco-Friendly Behavior, Chevelle Schreiner

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of empathy and perspective-taking in influencing

environmental concern (Sevilliano, Aragones, & Schultz, 2007) Although there may be a number of internal factors that inhibit pro-environmental behavior, it is important to evaluate the ways by which we can use emotion to encourage this type of behavior. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of emotion on eco-friendly behavior by investigating the effect of viewing high- or low-fear appeals on changing consumers‘ food choices will have on their attitudes and behaviors. Results show that the

likelihood that a participant intended to partake in more pro-environmental behaviors …

Transportation Network Analysis For Bicycle Suitability In Lincoln Nebraska Using Geographic Information Systems (Gis), Andrew J. Pedley

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

With increasing fuel costs, concern over global climate change, and increasing obesity levels, cycling is being promoted as a healthy sustainable alternative to automobile transportation. In order to improve a city’s transportation network to accommodate cyclists, an assessment of the current system is needed. This project uses the Bicycle Compatibility Index (BCI) to rate the bikeability of streets in a subarea of Lincoln, Nebraska. In this study I assessed the feasibility of using the BCI rating method on a city-wide level and list suggestions to improve the method. The information created in this project can be used by planning officials …

Warming Nighttime Temperatures And Crop Health In The Corn Belt, Justin Hladik

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Over the last century nighttime minimum temperatures have been increasing at a faster rate than daily maximum temperatures. This warming trend has caught the attention of climatologists and agricultural scientists as they attempt to address the potential effects of elevated nighttime minimum temperatures on the health of these crops, which are so important to the U.S. economy. In this study, ten sites represent the Corn Belt of the United States. Those sites are spread across an area in which the average minimum nighttime temperatures for each of the three primary growing months of the year (June, July, August) increased from …

Competing For Land: The Relationship Between Urban Development And Agriculture For Lancaster And Seward Counties, Carole Kerrey

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

This study examined the development patterns in Lancaster and Seward Counties and their interaction with local agriculture. The Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Department approved a development plan through the year 2040, referred to as LPlan 2040. Data from the USDA Census and the Lincoln-Lancaster Planning Department was collected in Excel and used for multivariable regressions. Historical trends in development and factors of development were analyzed, and then compared to LPlan 2040. The factors of development include the value of farmland, the number of farms, and the population of Lincoln. The focus of the agricultural analysis was the change in farm size due …

Water Scarcity And Our Global Footprint, Jarad Kinyoun

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The study was conducted in Lincoln, Nebraska to test when individuals are educated on water scarcity issues and water saving techniques; they will make choices that lower consumption at the individual level.

The twenty households participated in this study on a volunteer basis. Each household was educated on current water issues, water saving techniques, and on their current ecological water footprint. These households were monitored over a four month period for actual reduction in water consumption and economic savings.

The water consumption patterns of the participants after being educated on water scarcity and water saving techniques correlated directly resulting in …

Prevalence Of Childhood Obesity In Elementary Schools In Lincoln, Nebraska: A Study Of Children On Free Or Reduced Lunches, Eric Barth

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The purpose of the project is to show that there is a direct relationship between childhood obesity and socioeconomic status. Other factors that go into this relationship include: physical activity and foods available in vending machines. My ultimate objective is to prove that children coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds are showing higher levels of obesity during childhood. I believe that this work, as well as other studies similar to this, can be used show that these children need more help and assistance. Many of these children are not taught proper eating habits; generally because cheaper foods are generally not nutrition …

Using Slow-Release Permanganate To Remediate Pah Contaminated Water, Lindy Rauscher

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

No abstract provided.

Ecological Revival And Sustainable Living In The Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest Of Tamil Nadu: A Measurement Of Residential Perception In Sadhana Forest, Elizabeth Collette Mcguire

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Since 1970, the role and function of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been to promote environmental quality and to form strategies for carrying out environmental policy¹. The EPA has committed to sustainability as the next level of environmental protection. The agency states that sustainability calls for policies and strategies that meet society’s present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs². Presently, society’s requirements have resulted in natural resource exploitation and population distention- projected to reach 10 billion people within two human generations³. These paired occurrences are …

Avian Species Abundance In Response To Recreational Trail Use, Carrie A. Wencel

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Studies have indicated that non-consumptive outdoor recreation may affect wildlife. Thus, as the nation increases interest in outdoor recreation, data suggests the effect on wildlife will also increase. Previous studies indicate that as disturbance to wildlife increases, both avian species richness will decrease. Knowing how to anticipate effects on native species when planning and managing recreational areas is important in order to both provide for human desires and ensure the least impact to local species diversity.

The goal of this project was to observe and compare avian species richness and diversity between selected trail sites within Shevlin Park, Bend, Oregon …

A Gis Approach For Estimating Optimal Sites For Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (Pv) Cells In Nebraska, Tomotoshi Funabashi

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

In the context of rising energy concerns and increased spotlight on solar energy, this study examines and draws attention to the state of mid potential sunlight. The purpose of this study is to estimate the optimal sites for grid-connected photovoltaic cells in Nebraska, which is ranked 13th nationally in terms of insolation potential. Five factors – insolation potential, adjacency to roads, accessibility to grid, topography, and acreage – are examined with the use of Geographic Information System (GIS). Insolation potential was quantitatively analyzed by averaging, plotting, and interpolating the 20 years of datasets recoded at 28 weather stations of High …

Herpetofaunal Diversity At Yankee Hill State Lake And Wildlife Management Area, Lancaster County, Nebraska, Shelby Klima

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A survey for amphibians and reptiles was conducted in March through October 2011 at Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County, Nebraska. The survey was conducted using several different techniques including: visual and auditory encounters, artificial and natural cover objects, aquatic trappings and road surveys. A total of 145 individuals representing 12 species were identified including seven reptiles and five amphibians. A total of 48% of the species that may potentially occur on the site were encountered, all of which are common, widely distributed generalist species. Neither Graham’s Crayfish Snake nor the Massasauga, both target species for this survey, …

The Monetary Effects Of Deer Damage On The Environment, Scott Mendlik

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The focus of my study was deer damage that occurred to crops and trees in Northeast Nebraska, around Wisner in Cuming County. I collected data from corn fields and harvest yields to determine the monetary losses landowners receive to deer damage. The damage can be anywhere from minimal to significant and affects each person differently. I study used test plots to collect data for an average damage per acre, and variable-sized plots to accurately estimate the level of damage occurred. I also incorporated data from tree nurseries to estimate the damage tree farmers and landowners would have when planting new …

Factors That Cause Growth And Development In The City Of Lincoln, Ne, Kaylene Tegtmeier

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

This qualitative study looks at what factors may contribute to the outward growth and development of the city of Lincoln, Nebraska. The two main factors the study discusses are the Lincoln Public School planners and their placement of schools in the city, and the “American dream” of the people, looking at where the people of Lincoln want to be living throughout the city and what some of their daily habits are. This study also discusses some of the main visions of the city of Lincoln’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan how the plan’s ambitions may affect the two factors looked at in …

A Health Impact Assessment Of Mixed Use Redevelopment Nodes And Corridors In Lincoln, Nebraska, Katie Clear

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Obesity is a growing threat to America’s health. The national rate of obesity is 34% (Health Consequences, 2011), and Lincoln, Nebraska is not far behind that trend at 20.7% (BRFSS, 2011). Increasing physical activity is one way to reduce weight gain, (Edwards, 2008) and further studies show that small changes to the built environment can induce people to use alternative and more active forms of transportation such as biking, walking, and public transportation (Edwards, 2008; Zheng, 2008). The 2040 Comprehensive Plan for Lincoln, NE includes language to create a more walkable community. The proposal is to redevelop existing areas within …

Empathy-Based Conservation: An Interdisciplinary Approach To Conservation Policy And Decision-Making, Kaitlyn Delashmutt

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

In the late 20^th century, neuroscientists in Italy discovered a neuron in the brain capable of mentally mimicking the emotions derived from the actions of others (Rizzolatti and Craighero, 2004). It is the process that makes your elbow ache when someone else knocks their elbow on the counter or the uncontrollable smile that creeps up when someone smiles at you. No questions asked, people intuitively sense what others are feeling. The old school of thought was that humans deduced through logic and reason the actions of others and interpreted the emotions through a rational process (Carew et al, 2008). …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Scent Lures On Attracting Mesopredators, Tom Batter

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A mesopredator is a medium-sized middle trophic level predator such as a raccoon (Procyon lotor), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), or coyote (Canis latrans; Crooks and Soule 1999). Mesopredators have long been trapped for recreational, economic, or academic reasons. Throughout human history trapping has been used to capture animals for food and skins, as well as to prevent personal harm and property damage from predators. In order to increase the probability of success, scent lures are often used as an attractant (Geary 1984, Mills et al. 2010, Schlexer 2008).

Mapping Potential Crp Land And Determining Crp Profitability In Lancaster County, Jamie Pesek

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Annually 17 tons of soil is lost due to the erosion of agriculture land. A majority of the soil lost is fertile topsoil, which can render the land unproductive. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) was enacted to reduce the high erosion rates on agriculture land by giving landowners a monetary incentive to let their land lay idle and allow the soil to regenerate. Although there is awareness of the benefits of CRP, little effort has been put toward delineating CRP eligible land. In this project, Geographical Information Systems were used to map CRP eligible land in Lancaster County, Nebraska based …