Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Examining Ways to Promote Water Conservation at Golf Courses in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

Rose Kelly '13 — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:05:18 PDT

The purpose of this study was to examine ways for golf courses in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, to promote water conservation. As the demand for freshwater exponentially increases around the United States, it becomes necessary to examine current freshwater uses, especially those for recreational purposes. Golf courses are one of the largest freshwater users, with a typical course consuming hundreds of thousands of gallons every day for grass maintenance. With water shortages and insecure future water supplies, golf courses around the United States are urgently looking for ways to promote water conservation. This includes golf courses in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. The severe drought in the summer of 2012 amplified the importance of promoting water conservation at golf courses in Bloomington-Normal. My research focused on examining ways for these golf courses to conserve water. Through extensive archival research, observations of five selected golf courses, and in-depth interviews with local golf course superintendents, local water resource personnel, local golfers, and other knowledgeable community members, I have determined that there is substantial room for Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, golf courses to use water more wisely. The current average water use for each of the five selected Bloomington-Normal golf courses -- of around 300,000 gallons per day -- could be dramatically lowered with both maintenance updates and by changing the average golfer’s perceptions about how a golf course should look and be maintained. Unfortunately, I have also determined that some significant barriers exist for promoting golf course water conservation. I recommend extensive further research into changing the average golfer’s perception about how the typical American golf course should look and be maintained.

Obtaining Consumer Perceptions of External Costs of “Cheap” Food Products and Analyzing Quality Food Markets that Minimize External Costs in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

Jennifer Long '13 — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:05:17 PDT

Today, the United States’ food system is primarily a large industrial operation with smaller-scale community-based food systems. Although the industrial food system has benefitted society by increasing the amount of food available for every person, some of these products are “cheap” food products that generate external costs, such as poor health, potential wealth loss to farmers and environmental degradation. With over 1 billion individuals on earth undernourished and 15.8% of all U.S. households as of 2010 food insecure [Patel, 2012], this system has not completely solved food issues. Community-based food systems, on the other hand, minimize external costs by aiming to benefit the economic, environmental, and social health of communities. Quality food markets are defined in this study as locations within these smaller systems where local and quality food is sold and where consumer demand can affect supply and strengthen the smaller system. The primary purpose of this research was to learn what consumers understand about the external costs to “cheap” food and assesses quality food markets that minimize these external costs in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois community. An in-depth literature review was conducted to understand what is known about this topic. Personal observation was conducted at quality food markets in Bloomington-Normal, IL to assess what experiences consumers were having at these locations. Fifteen key informant interviews were conducted, twenty-seven consumer interviews, and a consumer survey was circulated to the Green Top Grocery mailing list (those interested in food cooperative efforts in Bloomington-Normal, IL) and was completed by 248 consumers at an 18% response rate. The results helped identify the ability of the community-based food system to minimize the external costs of the industrial food system. Consumer interviews and the survey revealed information on how the consumer sample makes food-purchasing decisions based on criteria such as quality and price and that there is a range of understanding for the external costs of “cheap” food. This methodology also helped reveal strategies to continue moving similar community systems forward by adding or supporting quality food markets, and through understanding consumers and their food purchasing decisions. Such strategies may help minimize the external costs of the U.S. industrial food system.

Examining the Effects of Recycling Education on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Elementary School Students

Hannah Williams '12 — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 08:44:30 PDT

In order to promote environmental sustainability, the Unit 5 School District in McLean County, Illinois has recognized the need to increase recycling rates within the district. As a part of the efforts to encourage recycling in Unit 5 schools, this study considers the barriers that may prevent the effective implementation of environmental education programs in school curricula, as well as the elements that contribute to the success of these programs. Furthermore, this study examines the effects of recycling educational programs on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of second and third grade students at Fox Creek Elementary School in Bloomington, Illinois. This study reveals that recycling education can positively impact the environmental attitudes and behaviors of students and increase their knowledge. The culmination of this project provides suggestions for how Unit 5 schools can increase and improve environmental education programs within their curricula.

Determining the Feasibility of Implementing a Beekeeping Cooperative in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois Area

Courtney Luensman '12 — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:42:10 PDT

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of implementing a beekeeping cooperative in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois area. Through the literature review, it is exhibited that honeybees play a very important role in the pollination of certain crops, but there has been a decline in honeybee population, which could result in possible crop reduction. My research was determining benefits and feasibility in the formation of a beekeeping cooperative. Through conducting interviews with beekeepers, farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural organizations, I have determined that there are significant benefits to be gained from the presence of a cooperative, although there are substantial barriers that could prevent the cooperative from being successful. I would recommend future study in gauging interest to determine if the biggest barrier of lack of dedication could be avoided.

Bringing the Endangered Barn Owl Back to McLean County, Illinois: Implementing a Local Nest Box Program

Anna Groves '11 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:29:51 PST

Barn owls are an endangered species in Illinois, but populations have been known to increase where nest box programs have been implemented. In conjunction with the John Wesley Powell Audubon Society, a barn owl nest box program was established in McLean County and the surrounding area. Seventeen boxes are now scheduled for construction and installation this winter in the McLean County area in order to enhance existing barn owl populations, and the nest box program will continue in the future through the JWP Audubon.

The Feasibility of Incorporating Sustainable Materials in the Design of Habitat for Humanity Homes

Meaghan Collins, '09 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:48:10 PDT

The concept of sustainable design has been one of increasing interest with regards to both personal choices and desire to reduce human impacts on the environment. This paper looks at the concept of sustainable housing design and why it is important. Particularly, it focuses on sustainable housing designs and materials that the McLean County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity can incorporate into the construction of its homes. This paper investigates three types of sustainable construction materials, flooring, cabinetry, and paints that Habitat for Humanity could incorporate into its homes.

Growing Food Justice in West Bloomington, Illinois

Daniel Burke, '09 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:48:09 PDT

In some places in the United States, guns are more accessible than tomatoes. In a nation where food is in relative abundance, how can this be? Food security is the ready availability of nutritious and safe food and the assured ability to obtain it through normal sources (Morris et al 1992). Food justice asserts that no one should live without enough food because of economic constraints or social inequities. In this way, food justice frames the lack of healthy food sources in poor communities as a human rights issue (People's Grocery 2008). However, in some communities, access to fresh, healthy food is not always possible. In 2000 food insecurity, the uncertain or limited access to food through normal channels, affected 33 million Americans, which translates to over 10% of US households (Wisconsin Food Security Project, 2008). "Food deserts" are the places where food insecurity exists (Morton et al 2005, Shaw 2006). When one considers that four of the ten leading causes of death in the United States are chronic diseases for which diet is a major risk factor, the need to turn food deserts into food secure communities becomes glaringly apparent (Zenk et al 2005). This study focuses on West Bloomington, Illinois -- a community that can most likely be classified as a food desert. Ultimately, three solutions emerged to grow food justice in West Bloomington: a farmers market that accepts food stamps, expansion of the community garden, and the addition of a full-service grocery store. The first priority has to be attracting a full-service grocery store to the West side. Without a source of fresh food within the community, the health of residents may be negatively affected. To compliment a grocery store, local food options such as a farmers market with a food stamp program or the expansion of the community garden can enhance the food security of West Bloomington.

Environmental Evaluation of a Quaternary Wastewater Treatment Wetland

Olivia DeMeo, '09 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:48:08 PDT

Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment have become a sustainable alternative to environmentally harmful traditional wastewater treatment methods. This case study evaluated the Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary, a wetland area constructed for removal of nutrients from wastewater. An environmental evaluation of the wetland was completed that addressed three parameters: the water quality of wetland effluent, the avian biodiversity within the sanctuary, and an assessment of community outreach and education initiatives. Water quality testing was conducted using rudimentary LaMotte and Hach testing kits. The data was contrary to the literature and showed no nutrient removal occurring. However, the results were inconclusive because the wetland was lacking well-established vegetation, which was necessary for nutrient removal. Bird data obtained over the past two years by a bird specialist indicated a high degree of biodiversity, likely due to presence of several habitats within the sanctuary. The community outreach and education assessment based on a walkthrough of the sanctuary indicated that community outreach and education initiatives were inadequate and recommendations were given for improvement.

The Feasibility of Implementing Farm to School Programs In Bloomington-Normal Public Schools

Margaret Kane, '09 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:47:03 PDT

Farm to School programs promote partnerships between local farmers and school districts in which farmers can provide fresh organic produce for school meals and education about sustainable agriculture. A focus on local and organic foods has a variety of benefits that affect the environmental, health, and community. This study explores opportunities for Farm to School programs in Bloomington-Normal public schools, and concludes that a this type of program would be feasible in Normal, although there are quite a few barriers to overcome before implementation would be possible.

What Impact Does Sustainable Certification Have? A Comparison of Aquatic Nitrate and Phosphate Levels between Two Golf Courses in the Bloomington-Normal Community

Jason Koval, '09 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:47:02 PDT

Two golf courses in the Bloomington-Normal community in central Illinois were tested for nitrate and phosphate concentrations in their ponds. One golf course (The Den) is Audubon International certified while the other golf course (Ironwood) is not. This study tries to establish if differing environmental management practices can contribute to significantly different concentrations of nutrients. It was determined that the nitrate concentration was higher at the non-certified golf course, while the phosphate concentrations at both courses were essentially negligible. The implications of these findings are discussed and were presented to both golf courses. It is the hope of this paper that the non-certified golf course will seek improved management practices, with regard to environmental impact, after observing the differences in nutrient concentrations.

Green Roofs for a Green Town: Possibilities of Green Roof Implementation in the Town of Normal

Lindsey Sihau, '09 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:47:02 PDT

Green roofs have been growing in popularity throughout the world. Scientists have been studying them since the 1980’s. This research project reviews the literature regarding both the benefits and barriers to green roof construction and management. Policies around the nation are then examined and analyzed. Suggestions are made regarding possible additions to the local Stormwater Management Policy that would emphasize the importance of sustainable building techniques such as green roofs, and hopefully offer incentive to their implementation.