Tag: Environmental Studies

Methane Emissions in Hydropower Reservoirs

Presenter: Ashia Wilson – Environmental Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Alai Reyes

Session: (Virtual) Poster Presentation

The Klamath Hydroelectric Project (FERC No.2082) does not track or manage their methane production and emissions related to their hydropower projects . Methane is a potent greenhouse gas resulting from the decomposition of organic material in environments with no oxygen; it has 80x the warming power compared to carbon dioxide during the first twenty years of being emitted into the atmosphere (contributes to climate change). PacifiCorp, owners, and operators of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project control 169-megawatt project located in a predominantly rural area in Southern Oregon. The project includes; Link River Dam, Keno Dam, J.C. Boyle Dam, Copco No. 1 Dam, Copco No. 2 Dam, and Iron Gate Dam. PacifiCorp states, “The project generates approximately 716 gigawatt- hours of emissions-free electricity on an annual basis – enough power to supply the energy needs of approximately 70,000 households.”

Dam construction has significantly altered water, nutrient, and ecosystem dynamics and fluxes in river networks and is linked to the amplification of methane emissions in deep-water hydropower reservoirs . From the very beginning of these projects, the emission of methane is present . The United Nations, many individual countries, and western states classify hydropower projects as “clean energy.” Under the United Nations’ Clean Development Mechanism, dams are one of the most common projects funded with carbon offset funds.

Signal Crayfish Behavior, Health, & Habitat in the Tryon Creek Watershed

Presenter: Kyla Schmitt – Economics, Environmental Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Alexis Barton, Reyn Yoshioka

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation

In Portland, Oregon, signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) earn the title of “keystone species” by consuming otherwise-inaccessible detritus, which can then be passed up the food chain to various other species, and carving up riverbeds, an act which greatly influences aquatic habitat quality. This study questioned whether habitat factors impact signal crayfish health and behavior in the Tryon Creek Watershed. Overall, crayfish were disproportionately likely to be observed in locations with high human impact levels; silt/sand or boulder and cobble substrates; culverts, runs, and pools; and water 10-39 cm deep. Juvenile crayfish were disproportionately likely to be observed in locations with low human impact levels, silt/sand or cobble and gravel substrates, and water 0-19 cm deep. Unhealthy crayfish—specimens that were deceased, immobile, struggling, or consisted of severed appendages— were disproportionately likely to be observed in locations with culverts or riffles and water 0-19 cm deep. The study found no evidence for an established population of invasive crayfish in Tryon Creek, although further monitoring (particularly in the Tryon Cove area) is necessary to confirm this finding. The study’s analysis also suggested that human-caused ecosystem disruptions can seriously decrease the health and wellness of signal crayfish populations if not managed mindfully and holistically, pointing to a need for better waterway designs that benefit fish and crustaceans alike.

Professionalism: Swearing in the Workplace

Presenter: Victoria Pineiro – Environmental Studies

Co-Presenter(s): Andi Van Laanen

Faculty Mentor(s): Melissa Baese-Berk, Myrihe Rohbock

Session: (Virtual) Oral Panel—Read, Speak and Act

In recent years, swearing has moved from somewhat of a taboo topic to a more common and acceptable practice in day to day life. This particular research examines how swearing impacts perceptions of professionalism in the workplace, with gender stereotypes as a sub focus. To investigate this, two surveys were distributed to primarily college aged individuals, and each survey had two sets of audios with the same scripts, one with a woman swearing and man not swearing, and the other with a man swearing and a woman not swearing. Participants were then asked about their perceptions of the speaker in each audio and to reflect on their feelings towards each as a whole. Overall, we found that swearing and professionalism have a negative relationship, regardless of gender. In conclusion, by conducting this research we are able to investigate the various ways professionalism is portrayed through different linguistic choices.

Quantifying soil respiration response to planted conifer saplings and associated mycorrhizae

Presenter: Julia Odenthal – Environmental Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Lucas Silva

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation

Forest soils present a crucial opportunity for carbon sequestration to combat rising atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. To better understand the impact of tree planting on soil carbon storage within a previously unforested grass field in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, we will measure soil microbial respiration at the base of two conifer seedlings with different mycorrhizal associations: Calocedrus decurrens (arbuscular mycorrhizae; AM) and Pinus ponderosa (ectomycorrhizae; EcM). We will compare these measurements with soil respiration in plowed furrow replicates at a five foot distance from the sample trees and in unplowed pasture. We hypothesize that soil respiration will be higher next to seedlings compared to pasture and disturbed ground, and that AM seedlings will have higher soil respiration rates than EcM seedlings. In addition, we will measure pH, soil carbon, macronutrient, and micronutrient levels at the same locations to compare soil conditions that may alter microbial communities. Microbial function at the roots of planted trees has been shown to have some control on carbon sequestration through enhanced weathering, suggesting that current models may underestimate the carbon storage potential of forested soils. Understanding the potential of carbon sinks is key to properly allocating resources for climate change mitigation. Our data will guide future local tree planting efforts to maximize soil carbon storage.

Promoting Pollinators at Whitewater Ranch

Presenter: Olivia Heller − Environmental Studies

Co-Presenter(s): Julia Nauman, Lindsey Nguyen, Fischer Kirk

Faculty Mentor(s): Peg Boulay, Gabby Altmire

Session: (In-Person) Oral Panel—Learning from the Environment

Native pollinators are beneficial in agroecosystems because they are more cost-efficient, resistant to disease, and more favorable to the larger ecosystem than imported honey bees. The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) has been monitoring pollinators at Whitewater Ranch (WWR), an organic blueberry and timber farm in Leaburg, Oregon, since 2014. Here, the ELP has assisted WWR in its restoration of Goose Creek, a riparian zone that runs through the ranch. The goal of the project is to increase native pollinator abundance and diversity for the benefit of the ranch and greater ecosystem. To do so, we explored the potential of native riparian and forb plantings to increase native pollinator populations. First, we continued to monitor the effects of previous riparian plantings on current pollinator populations in blueberry fields. Second, we explored the role of floral enhancements in logged areas after the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. Working with insect ecologist Lauren Ponisio, we are monitoring which native forbs are most successful in the previously burned areas of Whitewater Ranch. We expect pollinator numbers to remain relatively consistent with previous years.

Value Pluralism & Environmental Justice in the Cascades: The Nisqually River Watershed

Presenter(s): Jess Gladis — Environmental Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Mark Carey, Barbara Muraca

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation

Examining resource conflicts shows the way land values influence stakeholder relationships to culturally significant ecosystems. The Nisqually Watershed exemplifies environmental justice disputes caused by the juxtaposition of high-density urban areas, rural farmland, and federally protected land— creating intersecting values that inform local land stewardship. My findings so far support that the analysis of values and environmental ethics—an often-underrepresented factor in formal decision-making—elucidates how material and metaphysical human-ecosystem relations form influential values that determine the outcome of resource conflicts and deliberative resolutions.

This analysis is conducted using rigorous frameworks that encompass a multiplicity of stakeholder values. This project aims to further develop a method based in environmental hermeneutics and phenomenology that engages with the IPBES conceptual framework and its defined value categories (Díaz et al. 2015). This approach is unique among similar pre-existing research because of its practical application of philosophical traditions and adoption of IPBES’ pluralist framework. Further study of regional environmental conflicts using these approaches can enlighten relatively unexplored factors in ecological decision-making. Providing precise explanation for the way conflict is ignited or mediated is incumbent for the future development of climate change resilience and mitigation strategies.

Exploring Grasshopper Feeding Preferences Due on C:N Ratios Across Varying Soil Nutrient Treatments

Presenter(s): Sofi Forsman — Environmental Studies, Marine Biology

Faculty Mentor(s): Lauren Hallett, Gabriella Altmire

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation

Montane grassland systems are a rare yet highly important ecotype in the Cascade Range. Anthropogenic disturbances are destabilizing the relationship between plant species and insect herbivores. The purpose of this study is to understand some of the factors that affect grasshopper feeding preferences. This study took place at Bunchgrass Meadow, part of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. Three blocks containing 8 blocks each with different soil nutrient treatments were present. Leaf damage measurements were collected for grass species Bromus Carinatus and legume species Lupine Oreganus. Leaf damage via grasshopper chewing was observed from each plot and compared to soil treatments, carbon to nitrogen ratios within plant tissues, and plant species. I found that grasshopper feeding preferences were significantly impacted by all three independent variables. The variables tested explained roughly 70% of the variation in the experiment. The results of this study imply that changes in soil nutrient treatment can influence the trophic levels in montane ecosystems, highlighting the importance of management strategies that mitigate anthropogenic impacts.

Environmental Leadership Program: Restoring Connections

Presenter: Armon Ashoubi − Environmental Studies

Co-Presenter(s): Riley Roefaro, Emily O’Brien, Kaylie Smith

Faculty Mentor(s): Meredith Jacobson, Katie Lynch

(In-Person) Oral Panel—Covering Covid

The COVID-19 lockdown has caused children to look at their iPads instead of their local environment, creating gaps in their outdoor education. Through a combination of field trips and in-class lessons, our leadership team brought environmental education to over 200 elementary students in Eugene. Our lessons worked to dismantle barriers that prevented students from fostering stewardship and discovering the magic of nature. Field trips included games that introduced students to focal species and animal senses. Students were also given individual journaling time, which connected person to place and encouraged deep reflection on the surrounding environment. Our desire to create awareness and knowledge of the environment and its associated problems has been met. The outcomes of our lessons show that students built a relationship with the outdoors and established a sense of care toward nature. Students showed empathy for wildlife by constructing fairy houses and removing invasive species from the area. We also saw students identify motivating species and distinguish between various habitats within an ecosystem. Throughout lessons this term, we made a difference in our community while strengthening our own environmental education skills. In this technological era, it is important for youth to have access to the outdoors so that care and concern for the world can be established. With this, there is hope the advocation of nature will increase and create positive environmental action.

Environmental Leadership Program: Youth Climate Science/Climate Justice Education and Discovery

Presenter: Max Arquilevich − Environmental Studies

Co-Presenter(s): Kira Domzalski, Naomi Meyer, Sydney Aston

Faculty Mentor(s): Katie Lynch

(In-Person) Oral Panel—Learning from the Environment

Immersed among ancient trees deep in the Cascades lay the teachings of climate science and justice. The Climate Team in the Environmental Leadership Program introduced environmental education to middle school students by facilitating hands-on outdoor experiences in H.J Andrews, a world-renowned experimental old-growth forest. We discussed and showcased climate change evidence via four lessons: Phenology, Forest Plots, Microclimates, and Climate Justice. Through these lessons, students developed an understanding of the intersectional ways in which they can study climate change, and participate in solutions. As the seventh graders gained knowledge on plant identification, data collection/analysis, environmental inequity, and impacts on microclimates, we acquired experience in teaching, lesson planning, communication, and teamwork. By conducting hands-on research in the Forest, the middle schoolers gained applied science skills and basic climate change literacy, all while working as a team to analyze scientific data, graph, and draw conclusions about climate change’s impact on the forest and the world around them. By empowering young students with these skills and knowledge, the Climate Team paved the way for future environmental stewardship, taking action against climate change one student at a time as they grow to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Environmental Leadership Program—Aves Compartidas 2022

Presenter: Abby Andrews − Environmental Studies

Co-Presenter(s): Jenna Burns, Lucy Trapp, Sequoia Shand

Faculty Mentor(s): Russel Lynch

Session: (In-Person) Oral Panel—Learning from the Environment

Eugene, Oregon and Guanajuato, Mexico have more things in common than you might think, including 25 shared migratory birds that we introduced to students during our time at El Camino del Rio/River Road Dual Immersion Elementary. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor education has become evermore important. As participants in the Environmental Leadership Program, we strive to rekindle youth’s bond with nature that was neglected during the pandemic. This year, the Aves Compartidas Program taught elementary students about migratory birds through an environmental education lens, and fostered students’ connection to their environment and to Guanajuato, Mexico. Our pedagogical approach focuses on the importance of connecting students with the local environment through the use of auditory, visual, and artistic group learning. Within six weeks, our team taught 42 classes, educating 128 students on migratory birds and related environmental issues, focusing on creating safe migration conditions. We incorporated the observation of World Migratory Bird Day, and highlighted this year’s theme, “dim the lights for birds at night,” in reference to the effect of light pollution on bird flight patterns. The materials created from the program include lesson plans, a project management plan, and an informational website. This will allow continued collaboration between Oregon and Mexico, to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards.