Student Formulated Quiz

1. You are a Naturalist working to restore a prairie patch in Illinois. Which of the following methods could you use to create a successful restoration? You may select more than one.

a. Make sure that the soil is fairly undisturbed
b. Plant in late spring to mimic natural conditions
c. Plant in fall to mimic natural conditions
d. Plant only a few seed packets so there is enough room for each plant to spread
e. Burn and Mow any weeds in the first growing season
f. Plant as many species as densely as you can afford

2. Between what years was most of the tallgrass prairie destroyed (Approximately)?

a. 1800-1920
b. 1840-1900
c. 1820-1915
d. 1840-1965

3. Which ONE of these are NOT examples of areas included in Illinois’ CRP (Conservation Reserve Program)?

a. Mowed lawns
b. Railroad rights-of-way
c. Road ditches
d. Meijer’s Parking lot

4. Which Classification of Prairie has been destroyed primarily for the rich soil that is excellent for agriculture?

a. Black Soil Prairie
b. Rich Soil Prairie
c. Dolomite Prairie
d. Gravel Prairie

5. Some of the regional factors that naturally effect a prairie fire are. Choose as many that apply.

a. Hurricanes
b. Wetlands
c. Rainfall (before and after burning)
d. Finals week
e. rivers and streams
f. Topographic features
g. Animal Migration

6. Besides Fire the most important determinant in the spread and maintenance of grasslands is

a. Animal Species
b. Increase in Glaciation
c. Birds
d. Insects
e. Climate

True or False

____7. Wild Bison once existed in Illinois Prairie-land.

____8. Bison were a detrimental part of the prairie eco-system.

____9. Prairie insects like the redveined prairie leafhopper thrive in Illinois without an abundance of prairie plants.
____10. There are many endemic species in the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

____11. Without annual burnings we would still have thriving prairielands

Andrea Fritts and her team at  the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) study fresh water mussels in the Illinois River.  Specifically they study three aspects of mussel presence in the Illinois River. The first of these is the identification of stable isotopes within the outer shell, or hard tissue of the mussels within the river of interest. Studying these Stable, slow changing and highly identifiable compounds allow researchers like Andrea to track environmental factors over time. The second facet of research evaluates heavy metals in the the same hard tissue of the mussels. The group’s third research area tracks the heavy metals found in the hard tissue of the mussels as they are found throughout the length of the Illinois river from Chicago to Havanas.

Using the the large specimen catalog maintained by the INHS Andrea’s group have access to a specimen timeline that dates back to 1870. This complete timeline, which includes specimens from different sites along the Illinois,  offers the researchers a unique opportunity to create a complete timeline of chemical presence in the river’s substrate.

In an upcoming post I will go into depth about the the unique methods this innovative group employs, and how their research methods  are pushing environmental science into a new realm of holistic research.

The Little Piglets That Saved Our Community

“Then one little piggy built his house out of straw and said, “I will live here.”” This classic story has been passed down from English ancestry as lesson to the young. In every version and incarnation, the tale weaves a warning for those who are to become the decision-makers and earth-shakers of the future. “Choose wisely,” a voice whispers from the shadow of each passing line. “Take the time to do all things well,” urges the voice from behind the ever-ceaseless breath of the wolf.

Perhaps, it is possible that, even after so many rewrites and embellishments story may have still gotten it wrong. You see, in every retelling, straw is perceived as the most foolish and slovenly choice as a building material. However, innovation within the construction and agriculture industry has allowed us to revolutionize building processes in every way. Straw bale construction has emerged as an incredible new method of sustainable building that can bridge the gap between industry and sustainability.

In the past twenty-six years, small but determined groups of people across the globe have set out to change the common perception that straw, as a building material, is anything less than a tremendous resource. New Prairie Construction Company in Champaign-Urbana is one of these small groups. Julie Birdwell and Jill Mulder have built their small business around their passion for green building principles and their dedication to quality products and a quality way of life.

Straw bale structures are simply logical extension of this commitment to quality for New Prairie Construction (NPC). Straw is widely known as a waste product of the agricultural industry. This fiber does not become tilled under to replenish nutrient levels and in most cases is simply burned. By mass, straw accounts for almost half of all cereal production within agriculture each year [1]. Within the United States alone, this by-product measures 200 million metric tons per year when compared with World Bank statistics for cereal production [2]. Utilizing this product, instead of letting such massive amounts of organic matter undergo combustion, was the natural choice when the ladies at NPC began their journey into the sustainable building process.

Locally sourcing bales, like NPC does, when constructing a straw structure greatly reduces the emissions and impacts associated with the construction or restoration of a structure. Nationally, the EPA estimates that construction emissions are the third largest greenhouse gas producer within each industry [3]. Similarly agricultural emissions, including the combustion of straw, are considered to make up 10% of all greenhouse emissions with the United States[4]. Reducing the impact of each of these industries by using local straw has innumerable benefits in this regard.

As a consumer, Julie Birdwell, has expressed incredible success with her straw bale office in terms of cost and efficiency. She also reports that her straw bale home is, “…the most comfortable place I have ever lived.” As a construction professional, she estimates that the external walls insulate at an rating of R-40. For perspective, local building code requires that insulation be only efficient enough to meet R-19 rating standards. This marvelous insulation rate only adds to the energy savings, and emission reductions that straw bale structures can provide.

As a resident and a constructer of straw bale structures, Julie Birdwell understands many of the misconceptions and challenges that are often related to building structures in this alternative manner.

Just one of the most common of these misunderstandings is the idea that straw bale structures have a higher vulnerability to rot after the presence of water and moisture, than conventional structures. Converse to common assumption, the straw bales used in the process, have no access to the moisture that comes into contact with the exterior of the bale wall. Since water and oxygen are required for the decomposition of straw, properly sealing the wall with plaster or lime can prevent any rot that might occur. Julie responded to my question on this subject enthusiastically, saying, “Most of the reduction (of potential of rot) is on the drafting table. This makes or breaks a house on design regardless of material. The best way is to have deep eaves. Even when they (the walls) get wet, they dry out the same.”

During my conversation with Julie, she also mentioned, “Wooden structures are just as likely rot as straw (structures). It comes down to building it the right way the first time. Since I make my living doing renovations and restorations much of the time, I see everyone else’s mistakes. Your first chance (to build it correctly) is your best chance.”

As a company, New Prairie Construction is absolutely committed to employing every avenue of green and sustainable construction, so that they may be-in the words of Julie, “…part of the solution, and not part of the problem.” Creating a quality product that is built to last for many years, employing effective new sustainable techniques and repurposing all of the local materials they possibly can, are all included in the increasingly important actions the NPC takes to insure that they are indeed part of the solution for years to come.

As a citizen of our community, a citizen of our world, and as a resident of a conventional home, I ask you to consider incorporating the principals of the straw bale structure within your own home projects.

Relating us, the decision-makers of our world, to the little pigs of our parable, I come to this thought. We must take great care to listen past the growl of the great wolf masquerading as climate change. Even when he threatens to blow away our survival and our success, we must strain to hear the whisper of the parable that begs us to choose wisely. I propose that local straw bale structures, with the help of New Prairie Construction Company, can be one of the paths that aids our community to make the wise choices for our well being, and that of the earth.

 

[1] http://strawbale.sustainablesources.com/

[2] http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.PRD.CREL.MT

[3] http://www.epa.gov/sectors/pdf/construction-sector-report.pdf

[4] http://epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/sources/agriculture.html

* This is a theoretical note designed to draw awareness to Climate Change.

Hey Kristie,

I was checking out Grad Schools last week, and I noticed that Eastern Illinois doesn’t have a Climate Action Plan in place. I know you’re not ultra interested in sustainability on an institutional level, but I would urge you to take a look at the Action Plan that we have at UIUC. It does some pretty nifty things like set a target date for carbon neutrality, and bind the university to a series of actions to achieve the title of carbon neutral. I think that Eastern has potential to move this direction as well. This is especially important, as Eastern trains so many teachers over the course of several years. Making future teachers aware of the ways we can make a difference, is perhaps one of the most effective ways to spread curiosity and concern for the earth’s well being, and the well being of the organism’s on it. I believe you could be the perfect advocate for presenting this idea to the University and it’s student groups. Think about it!

-Halie

In class we were asked to question where we personally stand in the local food network.

To describe my position within the local food network I must describe the necessity that drove me to the discovery of the idea of local food, organic food, and the passion that I have for such things.

I am the begrudging owner of a body with several food allergies that make life in rural midwest america a bit of a logistical puzzle. For most people,  snacking on confections like hamburgers or donuts is something of a source of pleasure, regardless of the damage it is causing their body and environment.

My monthly trips to Strawberry Fields Grocery Store with my family, my parents education and experience with self-reliance and food growth, and my own curiosity eventually sparked a passion for food and it’s sources.

Now, I grow a small amount of my own food, am a member of the Common Ground Food Co-op board, and am constantly seeking ways to advocate for the local food industry.

Nearly every saturday I frequent the farmers market, and am overjoyed every single time.

In a recent blog assignment we were asked to read two articles. One, by Michael Pollan, urges the reader to “Bother” with making the earth a greener place. The second, by Derrick Jensen, insists that changing the social and industrial status of emissions and environmental issues is out of our hands;  with the only exception being radical action.  My response to this assignment is as follows:

It is apparent that each author is educated and invested in the topics within each article. However, while each proposes a vastly different social approach. Furthermore, on first reading, each author seems to argue the same (or at least very similar) issues. The differences seem to lie in both audience and execution of solutions.

Each article lacks a holistic and concise course of action, but both seem to urge the reader to become concerned. Pollan seeks to educate and remind an audience that prefers positive reinforcement over blatant truth. Jensen, on the other hand, attempts to spark a volatile emotional and cognitive response  in an audience that is already well practiced in the methods of personal conservation that Pollan preaches.

This difference in audience and approach is even evident within each writing style used.  Pollan meanders around his point with metaphors and comparisons of several studies, whereas Jensen’s article reads like machine gun fire to the critical reader. Pollan takes several pages to finally bring the audience to the the title question- “why bother?”. This differs from Jensen’s abrupt and almost violent proposition that is never expressed literally, yet is evident after the first few lines of text.

After comparing the voices that resonate through each piece, I can only reasonably choose to invite both authors out for a drink. I tend to think that true innovation occurs at the crossroads of what we know and the instances that challenge that what we know may not be correct. In the instance that these two authors may be brought together in such a way, I believe that the collision of these two minds could yield some incredible new ideas.

 

Amid the clamor and bustle of the Saturday Farmer’s Market, there lies many a hidden marvel. Framed by a plethora of fresh greens and encircled by the smells that waft throughout the market, one stand resides quietly as a cornerstone of the local food market here in Champaign-Urbana. The Moore Family Farms stand has a singular resilience within our community. This steadfastness holds a remarkable story about our community’s growing love affair with a sustainable life, and the even more remarkable story of one family’s commitment to natural tradition.

For the Moore’s, this natural tradition is more than a business. By taking cues from the many generations of farmers that came before industrialized food, and by the knowledge that could be gained from both experience, and the people that surround them, the Moore’s have developed a unique system that concentrates good practices and even better ideals into the heart of their farm life. Concepts such as closed herd breeding, pastured and grass-fed animal rearing, lack of antibiotic and chemical use, and following natural species and herd life cycles are just a fraction of the ways that the Moore’s single family farm stands apart.

Our relationship with Diann, Jim, and their two sons, began twenty-six years ago at the Market on the square. Shortly after purchasing their current farm from Jim’s grandmother, the Moore’s arrived ready to sell a plethora of produce from their fresh and unspoiled tract. With the success they met there, the request to raise livestock was quickly turned into a real possibility. Hungry to do more, and in better ways, they embarked on a journey to uncover every resource that could teach them to be stronger, more resilient and more kind to the plants and animals they hoped to raise. Libraries, friends from church, and even the former President of the University of Illinois came to their aid with the knowledge that helped mold them into the brilliant farmstead that they have become.

For the Moore’s, employing the techniques they have established, comes down to doing things the way they should be done. This notion resides second, perhaps, to their concern for the life, and death, of the organisms they have raised. In a recent conversation with Diann Moore, I was talked through the life cycle of their livestock. With passion pouring through in every sentence, Diann began by telling me that each organism lived its entire life eating its natural diet, and that the livestock were never confined to holding pens or barns. As we spoke, she made reference to mixed species grazing; a technique which they employ within their operation. In the interest of both the animals, and the land that they are stewards of, the Moore’s graze their species on the same pastures. As Diann explained, the combination of animals-cows and sheep, provide both balanced fertilizer and incredible aeration for the soil. She also expressed that the poultry were all pastured, and had free choice of food due to their digestive structure. This balanced system, which the Moore’s have constructed, provides such a complete habitat for each animal they raise that the need for a veterinarian or antibiotics of any sort is an absolute rarity.

During the course of our conversation Diann also described their process for birthing lambs. This astonishingly innovative process starts by moving the expectant mothers into an empty green house, where the solar heat lowers the stress of the mothers and the newborn lambs. As lambs are often born in the earliest of spring days, harsh weather can take it’s toll on vulnerable newborns, but this method makes them as comfortable as possible. As Diann told me, “We want our animals to be as happy as possible.”

This humanity extends well beyond the life of the animal while it is on their farm. The nearest organically certified meat processor is more than three hours from the Moore Farm. Transporting animals such a distance would put incredible stress on each organism that made the journey. Rather than submit the animals to such pressure, the Moores use a much more local, and sustainable, processor to aid in their enterprise. This choice means sacrificing the organic label. Such a choice is easy to make when your list of priorities places with the animal’s lively-hood before all else.

In yet another effort to do things the way that they should be done, and to do them in a manner that is better for the earth that they tend to, the Moore’s have very recently transitioned from fossil fuel burning tractors to two teams of draft horses. This sustainable effort adds still more balance to the soil chemistry of the farm, and at the end of the day produces far smaller impact on environment. Jim Moore, who has been the primary plowman so far, has said, “I see a purpose for tractors, but this is the way it is supposed to be…taking the time to take care of the ground the way I should.” Diann also described Jim’s process when he uses the draft horses. “…When he stops at the end of row he is stopping not just to turn around, but to rest the horses and take in the field and see how the rows come up around him.” This dedication speaks volumes for the care and dedication for the land that the Moores immerse themselves in every single day.

The final place you will find the Moores’ incredible sense of care, dedication, and compassion is with their customers. Within an industry that is notorious for price inflation and profit margins, the Moore’s have stood their ground in a changing marketplace. Their seasonally based farm has grown only through word of mouth and the support of their customers. Their defiant self-reliance has been made possible by their undying loyalty to these customers and the organisms they raise. For the Moore’s, customers are more than a vital part of their community; their customers are their friends. Each market day they look forward to making new friends, and growing the beautiful community they have become a vital part of.

The Moore’s philosophies are carried out to the smallest detail on a farm that employs common sense and compassion before economics. If you were to ask any of the members of this single-family farm why they choose to employ the methods that they do, they might respond they are simply doing what they feel is right. However, their immovable resolution to honor the ways of the past, provide good, healthy food for all, and leave the land in a better condition than they came to it in, speaks for the character of the Moores as a family and as a farm, than words ever could.

In class we were asked to evaluate where we stand in regards to local food, and our food economy. So folks, here is my answer.

I began my discovery of food fairly early in life, as I have several food allergies. This alternative food diet is difficult to manage, and I remember frequenting local health food stores from a very young age. This exposure to alternative food sources, coupled with a strong farming background has given me a distinct perspective on Food Issues.

Furthermore, as a proud owner and board member of my local food co-op, I feel that I am very involved in the  local food scene. I produce some of my own food in the small garden in my yard, I devote a majority amount of my grocery budget to  local and/or organic products, and I volunteer with several sustainable food organizations.

Any relatively devoted gardener could probably list exactly which plants they have so carefully curated to flourish in their backyard. They have spent too many weekends, or evenings after work, pulling and tilling until the mystery weeds were ousted and the plants of their choosing thrived. For years, there has been a determined effort to include native plantings within these finely tuned gardens for a number of reasons: maybe this grass is more lovely than another, perhaps Aster is easier to take care of than another flower of non-native varieties, or perhaps the gardener is interested in the preservation of local ecosystems. Whatever the reasons, native planting has become a staple of the competent gardener. Here in Central Illinois our gardeners are much the same, yet it seems that even with all of this emphasis on utilizing native species, many have overlooked an entire collection of native plants that are as edible and delicious as they are beautiful.

For more than 10,000 years, humans have depended on the prairie for their sustenance and their lives [1].  Although animals of the prairie, like the buffalo and the prairie dog were mainstays of the native diet, the original people of this great biome that we now call home needed much more than animal products to thrive in such an unforgiving and powerful place.

Everything from medicine to treat fevers and spasms, to seed to make breads, lie within the now almost non-existent prairie land. William Handel of the Illinois Natural History Survey wrote in a recent article on medicinal prairie plants, “For countless generations, Native Americans have used the plants around them for food and medicine. It has been reported that the various tribes on this continent used more than 1,000 species of plants for food alone… [2]” I take excitement from the knowledge we may gain by bringing these seldom used, and often threatened species back into focus as a viable food resource for the residents of the prairieland.

Jerusalem Artichoke Salad, Buttered Chickweed, Mulberry Jam, and Beebalm Tea probably sound like delicacies out of a novel to most people, however, they are very real, incredibly delicious applications for just a minute portion of the very same plants utilized by the plains peoples. Each dish features something you may not find in a grocery store, however, with a little work, prairie gardeners can begin to incorporate species that will fortify both their environment and their stomachs.

Plants like Chickweed (stellaria media), a tasty and tender green that reduces insect impact on nearby plants [3], or Evening Primroses (Oenothera spp.), which can be fried or made into tea [4], can be employed beautifully and efficiently into the scheme of any garden. A few more marvelous examples of these prairie beauties are Rhubarb (Rheum x hybridum)- a popular green for baking [5], Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii)- a gorgeous flowering plant with medicinal properties [6], and the Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)- a highly versatile and beloved summer favorite [7].

To make the planting and propagation process for native plants more accessible to the local gardener, the University of Illinois Extension Program, the Illinois Prairie Chapter [8], and the Department of Natural Resources have published a number of useful resources throughout their websites [9]. Within your local library, excellent resources can also be found. In his book “Edible Wild Plants of the Prairie”, Kelly Kindscher has curated a stunning collection of species, their traditional uses, and native growing regions, suitable for any reader [7].

While it may sound eager, and perhaps overly ambitious, I believe that the use of edible native plants inspires a bit of hope. As a gardener, I take happiness from the idea that I may support myself and my loved ones from the land that I claim. As an advocate and activist for food issues, I take inspiration from the idea that we may once again use living things that had a place here long before we did, to reduce the impact we make. As fellow residents of the prairie, gardeners, and food advocates, I urge you to reconsider these often ignored and threatened species as a part of your gardens, and help me ignite hope among our neighbors and friends.

 

Sources:

[1]Encyclopedia of the Great Plains.” Encyclopedia of the Great Plains. Ed. David J. Wishart.

N.p., 2011. http://plainshumanities.unl.edu/encyclopedia/doc/egp.na.001. 20 Sept. 2014

[2]Handel, William. “Native America’s Pharmacy on the Prairie.” Mother Earth Living. Ed. K. C.

Compton. N.p., Oct.-Nov. 2005. Web. 18 Sept. 2014. <www.motherearthliving.com%2Fhealth-and-wellness%2Fnative-americas-pharmacy-on-the-prairie.aspx%3FPageId%3D5%23axzz3E656tcyP>.

[3] “Chickweed (common Chickweed).” Edible Wild Food. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2014.

<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ediblewildfood.com%2Fchickweed.aspx>.

[4] DeLong-Amaya, Andrea. “Nature’s Grocery.” Organic Gardening. N.p., n.d. Web.

<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.organicgardening.com%2Flearn-and-grow%2Fnatures-grocery%3Fpage%3D0%2C0>.

[5]Ecker Ogden, Ellen. “Perennial Edibles.” Organic Gardening. N.p., n.d. Web.

<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.organicgardening.com%2Flearn-and-grow%2Fperennial-edibles%3Fpage%3D0%2C3>.

[6]”Gentiana Andrewsii.” Plants for a Future. N.p., n.d. Web.

<http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfaf.org%2Fuser%2FPlant.aspx%3FLatinName%3DGentiana%2Bandrewsii>.

[7]Kindscher, Kelly. Edible Wild Plants of the Prairie: An Ethnobotanical Guide. Lawrence,

Kan.: U of Kansas, 1987. Print.

[8]”Native Plant Sale- Build Your Own Garden.” Wild Ones- Illinois Prairie Chapter. N.p., n.d.

Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fillinoisprairie.wildones.org%2Fnativeplantsale%2F>

[9]McClain, William E. “Prairie Establishment and Landscaping.” Illinois Department of

Natural Resources. N.p., 1997. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fdnr.state.il.us%2Fconservation%2Fnaturalheritage%2Fprairie%2Fcntnt2.HTM>.