Effects Of Nonnative Plants On Space-Use In Eastern Box Turtles,
2023
Winthrop University
Effects Of Nonnative Plants On Space-Use In Eastern Box Turtles, Emily Ilene Crago
Graduate Theses
Introduction of nonnative plants outside their natural range has caused widespread reduction in the abundance and diversity of native plant species. Nonnative plants typically form dense, often monotypic, thickets that affect the ability of animals to find food, reproduce, avoid predation risk, and thermoregulate. By doing so, nonnative plants have the potential to displace resident animals from areas otherwise suitable as animal habitat. However, limited studies have investigated whether resident animals avoid areas dominated by nonnative plants. This study investigated impacts of nonnative plants on eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a species that has been declining throughout their range. …
Evaluation Of Hydrogeochemical Characteristics Of San Joaquin, Tulare, And Mojave Aquifers, Southern California,
2023
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Evaluation Of Hydrogeochemical Characteristics Of San Joaquin, Tulare, And Mojave Aquifers, Southern California, Maedeh Hassanvand
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Before making attempts to enhance and manage the quality of water, a thorough understanding of these processes is necessary since the chemical quality of groundwater is impacted by a number of linked processes. This would be more important in arid and semiarid regions like the southern part of California where more rely on groundwater for agriculture and drinking water uses than the other states. As a result, fundamental knowledge of the governing processes of groundwater chemistry is required for effective water resource management. Thus, this study is primarily concerned with three aspects in Mojave, Tulare, and San Joaquin aquifers: The …
An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Municipal Biochar Implementation In Voluntary Carbon Markets,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Municipal Biochar Implementation In Voluntary Carbon Markets, Jadon Basilevac
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This paper serves as a review article and incorporates elements of survey research in order to identify and address factors inhibiting biochar availability from municipal sequestration projects in voluntary carbon marketplaces. In determining which barriers exist, and devising strategies for solving them, this study can help to expand the role of biochar in mitigating emissions contributing to climate change, and encourage project developers to support municipal biochar projects that provide various co-benefits. To do so, this study addresses how the pyrolysis production process might be made more efficient, economically viable, and see improved public image, the various urban sectors to …
Analyzing The Effects Of Cold Frontal Passage On The Feeding Habits Of Micropterus Salmoides (Largemouth Bass),
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Analyzing The Effects Of Cold Frontal Passage On The Feeding Habits Of Micropterus Salmoides (Largemouth Bass), Ethan Lang
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
For many decades, it has been theorized as to what happens to the feeding habits of largemouth bass (Micropterus Salmoides) when a significant short term weather change occurs. Here in the midwest and all throughout the United States cold front boundaries are a weather phenomenon that occur on a regular basis. They can occur on a very large or small scale and have a rapid effect on the weather locally. These cold front systems have been looked at as one of the main drivers to having an effect on the feeding habits of largemouth. However, up until this point, any …
Physiological Distancing Affects Climate Change Through Spatial Differences,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Physiological Distancing Affects Climate Change Through Spatial Differences, Janette Williams
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Psychological distancing is best described as the human ability to separate ourselves socially, temporally, and spatial and use it to manipulate our perspectives. It is the belief that in order to perceive or understand the information, you have to be within a spatial range(Harvard Business Review,2015). Psychological distancing has been linked to climate change perspectives based on spatial differences. People who are closely affected by climate change and experience more are going to have more ideas and be proactive. The reduced distance by spatial differences correlated with perceptions of climate change. People who are farther from the coast and experience …
Roots Of Passion In Environmental Unl Students,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Roots Of Passion In Environmental Unl Students, Shane Vrbicky
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
“Passion” is an elusive idea - a simple word invented by man - able to depict vastly different realities and meanings dependent entirely on the user. Highly influential in nature, the simple thought of a passion within human beings can evoke a wide spectrum of strong emotions from pure joy and satisfaction to utter desperation and dread. Sometimes people have never known a life without their passion, guided by a headstrong feeling towards a path they have always dreamed of. Sometimes people can never seem to find passion, not knowing where to look and yet constantly chasing after it. Sometimes …
Investigating Barriers To Conservation Of Freshwater Mussels In South Carolina,
2023
Clemson University
Investigating Barriers To Conservation Of Freshwater Mussels In South Carolina, Olivia Poelmann
All Theses
Freshwater mussels are a diverse group of filter-feeding bivalves inhabiting freshwater systems; however, ~70% of U.S. species are imperiled. Many freshwater mussel species use fish hosts to complete juvenile transformation making host fish knowledge important for conservation efforts like captive propagation. While captive propagation programs have produced thousands of juveniles, survival post-release into natural systems is poorly studied. To address these absences of information, my first objective was to investigate differences among host use of naturally infested fishes and timing of larval release. My second objective was to evaluate survivorship of laboratory propagated juvenile Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata), …
Analyzing The Effect Of Guided Nature Walks On Human Behavior,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Analyzing The Effect Of Guided Nature Walks On Human Behavior, Jake Duffy
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Several studies have identified a gap in the understanding of what guided nature walks does for the individual person, and the extent to which guided nature walks and interpretive signs improves individual pro-environmental behavior and attitudes. This study surveyed over 300 people on their reactions to certain types of signs and the influence that those signs had on the individuals’ desire to return outdoors. Our results showed an overwhelmingly positive reaction to signs with ecological or systems-based information that could be utilized on their walk, while signs that taught an environmental or historical feature of that area were not appreciated …
Perception Of Nature Based On Childhood Experiences,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Perception Of Nature Based On Childhood Experiences, Kaitlyn Richards
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
It is essential that humans view themselves as a part of nature rather than viewing themselves as separate from it. Especially with issues on the rise such as climate change, habitat destruction, and the degradation of natural resources. Childhood experiences with nature are critical in developing pro-environmental behaviors (Duzenli, 2019). Pro-environmental behaviors are defined as attitudes and actions that focus on the improvement of environmental conditions, while also being vigilant of ways to reduce negative impacts on the environment (Tian, 2022).
Gender And Environmental Sustainability: A Cross-National Analysis On Political Representation Of Women And Subsequent State Sustainability,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Gender And Environmental Sustainability: A Cross-National Analysis On Political Representation Of Women And Subsequent State Sustainability, Erin O'Sullivan
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
The literature focusing on the relationship between gender and environmental sustainability is vast. Research has focused on how gender relates to pro-sustainable behavior but fails to analyze this beyond individual action. Research has also found positive correlations between women’s representation at a state’s political level and different factors of state sustainability. However, literature has fallen short on analyzing if there is a causal effect between these factors. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature and analyzes how the ratio of women in parliament in a state affects the state’s environmental sustainability. Although the results showed no statistically …
Examining The Psychology And Human Behavior Of Sustainable Living: The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Climate Change Education,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Examining The Psychology And Human Behavior Of Sustainable Living: The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Climate Change Education, Samantha Nielsen
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Climate change education has become increasingly important as the world faces the challenges of a rapidly changing environment. However, not all individuals have equal access to this education, and socioeconomic status has been identified as a barrier to climate change knowledge. This thesis explores the impact of socioeconomic status on climate change education through a survey-based approach, using the Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey to investigate the relationship between income and degree of education with climate change concern and community interaction. The study finds a significant correlation between higher levels of education and climate change concern, as well as greater …
Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Nebraska State Park Visitation,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Nebraska State Park Visitation, Bailey Mullins
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
The Covid-19 virus was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020 by the World Health Organization. Since then the outdoor recreation habits of the general public have changed due to the constraints and risks of the virus. The first case of Covid-19 in Nebraska was reported in March of 2020. One of the most popular places for recreation in the state of Nebraska is to visit our state parks and recreation areas. The purpose of this research is to determine how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted visitation at Nebraska state parks and recreation areas. To do this, the Nebraska Game …
Rails To Trails Program: Neighborhood Dynamics In Lincoln, Nebraska,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Rails To Trails Program: Neighborhood Dynamics In Lincoln, Nebraska, Emma Mccormick
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
As cities increasingly move towards creating sustainable, equitable, climate-forward communities, city planners, advocates, and policymakers have begun to focus increasingly on improving access to greenspaces. Studies around the globe have documented the importance of greenspace for multiple individual, group, and community level outcomes. Simultaneously, extant research suggests that access to greenspaces frequently reflects social inequality in urban spaces, stratifying such access by race and socioeconomic composition of neighborhoods. However, few research projects have examined potential unintended consequences, such as contemporary housing issues like gentrification, that greenspaces can create for community infrastructure here in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Evaluating Ecosystem Health Of The Salt Creek Basin Through Two-Eyed Seeing,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Evaluating Ecosystem Health Of The Salt Creek Basin Through Two-Eyed Seeing, Shelby Serritella
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Few instances of prior research into socio-ecological health have brought together both Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Western science, especially in Nebraska. This study attempts to fill this gap in Lancaster County, Nebraska by using “Two-Eyed Seeing”. This equitably combines both Indigenous Knowledge Systems (qualitative data), obtained through oral interviews with Indigenous community members, and Western science (quantitative data), obtained through USGS, UNL, and U.S. Drought Monitor databases, to assess ecosystem health. Changes to the Salt Creek Basin were collected and analyzed through this Two-Eyed Seeing framework. Results found that there are high levels of consensus between both knowledge systems regarding …
The Decline Of Upland Birds In Nebraska: Maximizing Limited Habitat,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Decline Of Upland Birds In Nebraska: Maximizing Limited Habitat, Hunter Tesarek
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Ring-necked Pheasants were introduced into the United States around 150 years ago and since then have become an important species both culturally and economically. There population health is of growing concern as upland bird populations in much of the United States have been declining rapidly throughout the latter half of the last century. In Nebraska millions of acres have been transformed from habitat that benefits upland birds into row crop agriculture, mostly in the form of corn and soybeans. Rural Mail Carrier Surveys conducted for pheasants from 1960 through 2020 in comparison to change in acres harvested depict the relationship …
Identifying A Consumer–Producer Agricultural Knowledge Gap,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Identifying A Consumer–Producer Agricultural Knowledge Gap, Aspen Rittgarn
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
The purpose of this paper and online survey was to see if an agricultural knowledge gap between consumers and producers be found. Low agricultural literacy rates can lead to misconceptions of the agriculture industry, unhealthy food choices, environmentally unfriendly product choices, food waste, etc. The hypothesis for this thesis is that those born in the mid1960s to early 1980s (Generation X) will be the start of an increased knowledge gap. The survey was compiled of both qualitative and quantitative questions and questions were inspired by American Farm Bureau’s AITC Benchmarks. Responses were analyzed and the results revealed that my participants …
Development Of Three Novel Edna Assays For Detecting Coastal Sharks,
2023
Coastal Carolina University
Development Of Three Novel Edna Assays For Detecting Coastal Sharks, Kristina Dawn Flanigan
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is an emerging, non-invasive community monitoring tool. This study aimed to determine if eDNA methods can be reliably used in a large brackish, partially mixed estuary by developing and testing three novel eDNA primers, for Sandbar Sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus), Blacknose Sharks (Carcharhinus acronotus), and Bonnetheads (Sphyrna tiburo). These primers were designed to target 109, 156, and 120 base pair (bp) fragments, respectively, of the highly conserved NAD2 gene in the mitochondrial genome of each species. Primer function was validated through testing against 102 known genomic source samples and 25 filtered water samples from aquaria in which …
From Mountain Streams To Urban Rivers: An Assessment Of Microplastic Sources And Characteristics,
2023
Utah State University
From Mountain Streams To Urban Rivers: An Assessment Of Microplastic Sources And Characteristics, Macy Gustavus
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023
Plastic products are produced and discarded at an alarming rate. Bottles, bags, toys, and clothing break down into tiny plastic pieces called microplastics, ranging in size from an eraser on the top of a pencil to smaller in size than a red blood cell. Microplastics are becoming so common in the environment that they travel in the atmosphere, rivers, and ocean currents in ways that are similar to other types of Earth Systems Cycles (i.e., the water cycle). In this study, we explored microplastic sources and sinks in a freshwater river system and how seasonal changes in discharge affect how …
Correlation Between Fire And Preservation In The Pacific Northwest And Most Cost-Efficient Mitigation Tactics,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Correlation Between Fire And Preservation In The Pacific Northwest And Most Cost-Efficient Mitigation Tactics, Liam Doherty-Herwitz
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This study was conducted entirely online with occasional help from advisors and editors on zoom meetings. I completed the research in Lincoln, Nebraska. A meta analysis of online data has been conducted to form the answers to my hypotheses and research questions. I used specific keywords and phrases in research databases, and search engines such as google scholar to point me towards the answers I was looking for. The keywords and phrases were split up into four different categories which are mitigation techniques, ecosystems, fire severity: PNW, and fire season: PNW. The reason the topics land preservation and fire science …
Spatiotemporal Activity Patterns Of Red Foxes And Coyotes In Wilderness Park, Lincoln, Nebraska,
2023
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Spatiotemporal Activity Patterns Of Red Foxes And Coyotes In Wilderness Park, Lincoln, Nebraska, Adam Carlson
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Wildlife species that share a landscape may vary their use of time, space, and resources, thereby enabling sympatry between species. Interspecific relationships among sympatric canids are often inferred through temporal and spatial activity patterns. Body size is an important influence on interspecific relationships, as it affects competition, access to prey, resources, and vulnerability to predation. Coyotes and red foxes are canids that differ in body size and occur sympatrically in Wilderness Park, which suggests that they interact and could imply competition. In and around Lincoln, the number of coyote sightings has increased in recent years, Although the ecology of both …
