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Effects of turbidity and light availability on consumption rate and feeding behavior in Rhinichthys atratulus (Eastern blacknose dace)

Jamila Roth and Lauren Sidor (2017)

Changes in turbidity and light availability influence fish behavior, which can alter ecosystem dynamics. We investigated the influence of a range of turbidity and light levels on prey consumption in Rhinichthys atratulus (Eastern blacknose dace). We found differences in prey consumption as a function of turbidity under both high- and low-light conditions. These results indicate that relatively low magnitude changes in turbidity and light can significantly influence blacknose dace, which has major implications for aquatic communities.

Farming the eddys: In-stream prevention of lake and coastal eutrophication

Christopher Malvicini and Porter Hunt (2017)

Eutrophication is a major issue for many water bodies around the world. Phytoextraction can mitigate eutrophication; however, it has not been done with agricultural crops to produce a harvestable product that removes nutrients from stream systems. We modeled eddy systems and used watercress plants to mitigate nutrient loading in a closed system. We found that watercress removed phosphate from the system but was ineffective at removing ammonium and nitrate.

Invisible and Insidious: A Study of Water Contamination in Hoosick Falls, New York

Maya Cohn, Ella Sampou, and Anika Verma (2017)

In early 2014, it was discovered that the residents of Hoosick Falls were drinking from a municipal water supply contaminated with PFOA. After over two years of work, the tap water filters at PFOA non-detect, but the community is wary. Through multiple methods, we found that residents hold many stakeholders accountable and, in many cases, the loyalty to Hoosick Falls is stronger than the fear of PFOA contamination. Unfortunately, the damage to Hoosick Falls is irrevocable, and the path to restoration for Hoosick Falls is unclear.

The Missing Link to Smart Growth: A Case Study of Communication and Cooperation in Malta, New York

Patricia McGuire, Zia O'Neill, Manuela Tauscher (2017)

Malta, N.Y., experienced rapid population growth with the introduction of a microchip fabrication plant, Global Foundries. We used Malta as a case study to evaluate why we talk about smart growth more than we implement it. We employed a range of data-collection methods and identified four major barriers to smart growth implementation: pre-existing transportation constraints, a disconnect between planning and implementation, limitations of community perceptions, and lack of communication and cooperation among stakeholders.

Are Fungi the Future for the Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils?

Tsering Choden and Nate Van Meter (2017)

White rot basidiomycetes are known to degrade recalcitrant pollutants that pose serious risks to the environment and health. We compared the biodegradability of Aroclor 1248 by four different white-rot fungi and examined the effects of byproducts produced by the fungi. The biodegradation of Aroclor 1248 was determined via gas chromatography, and enzyme activity was measured via an enzyme assay. We found that Phanerochaete chrysosporium and shiitakes were effective bioremediators of Aroclor 1248 in contaminated substrate.

Put a Price on It: Measuring Ecological Value of a Diverse Landscape

Andy Frank, Becca Halter, and Kristie Sills (2017)
 
We measured the value of ecosystem services in a 138-hectare parcel of Skidmore’s undeveloped land. We estimated the parcel’s annual value at $150,896, including carbon sequestration (regulating service), mountain biking (cultural service), and students’ stated-preference value of the parcel. We found wetlands have the highest ecosystem value per hectare, but their ecological condition and risk varied. We suggest Skidmore College include ecosystem services in their land management plan.

The locavore’s delight: A local food system assessment of the Capital Region

Amanda Greenlee, Jacqueline Knoll, and Colleen Sullivan (2017)

A strong local food system offers community, environmental, and economic benefits. We assessed the local food system of the New York Capital Region, which has high agricultural diversity and volume of local food. Many farmers in the area prefer to sell their products locally because it is convenient and profitable regardless of what they produce or how long they have been farming. Overall, the Capital Region is an excellent example of a strong local food system.

Waste to Energy: A feasibility study of anaerobic digestion of food and manure waste in Saratoga Springs, NY

Meaghan Flanagan and Emma Hitch (2017)

Our current common disposal method of organic wastes is landfills, which releases methane gas and eliminates potential energy and economic revenue. We evaluated the feasibility of implementing an anaerobic digester in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., by analyzing potential feedstock, siting considerations, and an economic analysis of the project feasibility. Anaerobic digestion addresses sustainability as a green means of waste reduction, and also turns waste into an economic asset; however, the process still has a great deal of uncertainty.

On the trail: A path toward a better trail system in Saratoga County

Jacqueline Carames, Jacob Lightman, and Caroline Tuttle (2017)

We sought to evaluate the Saratoga County trail system based on connectivity, safety, presence of adequate maps and signage, multiple uses, and level of public input into the planning process. Our results showed the trail system is fragmented. We found a desire for greater trail connectivity, better maps and signage, and a consolidated trail map. Our recommendations include an improved online user-friendly trail map, greater advertising post trail development, and better on the ground maps and wayfinding signs. 

Environmental Education and Interpretive Trailblazing at Saratoga Independent School

Katie Cuthbert, Emma Ottenheimer, and Kylie Rosabal (2016)

We worked at the Saratoga Independent School to develop an afterschool environmental club. We constructed an interpretive nature trail on school property that included stations, lessons, and activity suggestions for future use. Lessons focused on place-based education, nearby nature, and experiential learning. We conducted interviews and focus groups with students, teachers, and parents, and measured environmental knowledge, behavior, and attitudes with a control and treatment group.

Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.

Noon pipe dreams and crude proposals: Community political engagement with the Pilgrim Pipeline in the Hudson Valley

Christina Battiste, Bella Bennett, and Sarah Lasky (2017)

Pilgrim Pipeline Holdings LLC has proposed the construction of a 178-mile pipeline through New York State to transport Bakken Crude oil, prompting the passage of 30 resolutions of opposition due to concerns for water and environmental quality degradation and the potential for spills. Based on our findings, we suggest that the state avoid permitting the Pilgrim Pipeline and instead focus on fixing existing fossil fuel infrastructure and implementing renewable energy technologies in accordance with the NYS Energy Plan for 2030.

Outcomes of place-based environmental education and art in the Hudson River Watershed

Julia Adelman and Shannon Post (2017). Please contact aschnell@skidmore.edu for the published manuscript.

We assessed a Hudson River science and art curriculum for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders as an effective way of teaching science. The treatment group showed a statistically significant improvement over the control group at post-test for curriculum-specific knowledge. Neither group’s environmental perceptions differed significantly at post-test. We attribute this result to ceiling and floor effects for both environmental preservation and utilization. Art was an important component of the curriculum for students’ understanding.

Sowing the seeds for farm-based education and agriculture: Action research with Pitney Meadow Farm

Sarah Hooghuis, Jerry Lerman, and Sydney Randall (2017)

Pitney Meadows Community Farm Inc. (PMCF) is a new agricultural nonprofit in Saratoga Springs, New York.  We conducted 10 semi-structured interviews with regional farm-based education centers to identify potential challenges recommendations for PMCF, including forming partnerships within the community, getting involved in the local school system, customizing curriculum to meet teacher needs, developing a membership program, and starting the operation on a small scale and growing from there.

Analyzing the carbon footprint and economics of paper towels vs. electric hand dryers: Innovative solutions for reducing waste at Skidmore College

Luc Chatelain and Michael Reeves (2017)

We analyzed all of the available hand-drying methodologies in order to integrate the most environmentally sustainable and economically stable hand-drying installation within Skidmore's establishments and specifically the new Center for Integrating Science building. We analyze the integration potential for this new building as well as Skidmore College entirely. Throughout this analysis, we investigated the structural acoustics of the allotted space, noise in decibels, backlight photography, cradle-to-cradle analysis, and a waste audit.