Recent satellite and ground-based data have indicated that Earth’s climate is changing at an alarmingly fast rate as the mean global temperature continues to rise. This effect is visible around the world and is already beginning to threaten both society and the environment (Kitchen, 2014). Our failure to limit the emissions of heat-trapping green-house gases […]
Sustainable Development Goal: 15 Life on Land
Developing Content for the University of St. Thomas Pollinator Path
The Sustainable Communities Partnership is partnering with the Department of Biology’s Pollinator Path to add multi-disciplinary and community educational value to the pollinator path. Students in Theology 101 and Spanish 211 (paired courses) will develop content for the Pollinator Path; this project work will also provide a framework for discussion and practice of the courses’ […]
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Mississippi River Corridor Habitat Assessment
The Mississippi River corridor is an ecosystem of connected natural and urban habitats, which provides benefits to both wildlife and humans. The “Above the Falls” stretch of the Mississippi River shoreline has historically been industrial, but the Mississippi River Management Organization (MWMO), the Mississippi Riverfront Partnership (MRP), and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) […]
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Examining Effects of Climate Change on Tree Species
The City of Elk River has not investigated its position on climate change and adaptation or its potential effects on the ecology and landscape of the city. Using climate models, Conservation Biology students will explore potential effects of climate change on specific tree species, focusing on street trees. Students will examine how climate change may […]
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Modeling Impacts of Mining on Groundwater
The Center for Applied Mathematics supports and funds summer student research that applies mathematics to real-world problems. The Freshwater Society would like to examine the potential effects of mining in the UMore development on groundwater in Dakota County. Student researchers will investigate the question: How will the removal of sand and gravel impact water reaching […]
Examining Land Use Scenarios for Vacant Lots
Students will examine the effects of various land use scenarios on stormwater runoff and pollinator habitat connectivity. Specifically, students will examine possible effects of the conversion of vacant lots in North Minneapolis to alternative uses (e.g., urban agriculture, pollinator habitat, raingardens, or a combination of uses) on stormwater runoff rates. Students will also examine optimal […]
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Water Quality Monitoring Of Halfmoon Creek And Buffalo Run
Students in ASM/ERM 309 will install water monitoring equipment at Halfmoon Creek and Buffalo Run to measure dissolved oxygen, water level, and rainfall. They will create technical maps of land uses in the watershed and create a comprehensive report of the water quality and land use findings. Read the final student report delivered to the […]
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Wetland Buffer Assessment
Project Overview The City of Elk River is home to 1256 wetlands, according to the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). Wetlands play a vital role in our community’s flood management, water quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. In 2006, the city updated their ordinance to include a 25-foot Wetland Buffer Strip around all wetlands and stormwater ponds. […]
Watertown Whitewater Park
Investigate the feasibility of removing or restructuring the dam on the Crow River to enhance the fishery in the river and create a whitewater recreation attraction in the City of Watertown. Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner. Resilient Communities Project Contact Info University Faculty Contact Vaughn Voller Civil, Environmental, and […]
Restoring Our Edge (Mississippi Shoreline Plan)
Identify strategies and best practices for reducing soil loss and erosion along the Mississippi River, including public or private partnerships and financial assistance available to help impacted shoreline owners. Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner. Resilient Communities Project Contact Info University Faculty Contact Fernando Burga Public Affairs Assistant Professor hfburga@umn.edu […]
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