We may currently be experiencing an age of extinction. Of course, this is not the type of extinction you may be familiar with; there are no dinosaurs or asteroids involved. Instead, we are dealing with mass threats to diverse species all over the world, and now we ask ourselves, is this the work of humans?

Take the eastern massasauga rattlesnake for instance. This snake, scientifically named Sistrurus catenatus, is a small, brown-grey rattlesnake with blotches all over its body, and is currently sitting on an engendered and protected species list (1). Once prevalent throughout the Midwest region and up into Ontario, Canada, this smooth-textured and bumpy-skinned pit viper has been nearly completely eradicated from its home as a result of habitat loss and an elusive, toxic fungal infection.

The eastern massasauga ranges in length from 18 to 30 inches, with a tough, thick body and a triangular shaped head. Known to be venomous, though rarely causing any fatalities, the snake also possesses heat-sensing pit organs between its slit-like pupils and nostrils on either side of its head, effectively allowing the snake to recognize its surroundings and potential prey nearby (2). When attacking, the eastern massasauga strikes fast and injects venom from its fangs into the body of the animal it is seeking to consume, which is usually small animals like mice. Though the venom from the snake is lethal to its prey, it is generally not recognized as being very dangerous to humans, as it injects much less venom than other rattlers. Additionally, the snake is known to be rather shy and does not attack humans unless provoked, an issue that is becoming more frequent in recent times.

It is not surprising to hear that humans and our actions are causing widespread negative outcomes on our surroundings. With the conversion of lands, whether it is forest, wetland, or prairie, into agricultural pastures and industrial areas, thousands of species are being removed from their native environments, and the eastern massasauga is no different. Originally a resident of wetlands and muddy areas near river deltas, the snake has lost over 50% of its home and is still on a downward spiral (3). Ethan Kessler from the Illinois Natural History Survey said that during his searches this past summer in local forests and areas snakes were once prone to, he has been unable to locate even a single massasauga. This habitat loss of the snakes has created small, isolated populations from once large snake-ridden areas, which drastically reduces the snake’s ability to grow in numbers.

The disappearance of the rattlesnakes is not simply an emotional event; rather, it is proof of the great loss in biodiversity and the huge consequences associated with it. The snake plays a role in the “circle of life,” as it is both predator and prey. Without its vital connection to population control, other species may become overpopulated or suffer population destruction as well. There is an offset in the balance of nature, and the conservation of massasaugas would mean the conservation of natural, supportive systems all over the Midwest region.

Over the past six years, an additional event has been wreaking havoc within massasauga populations, rapidly declining numbers and driving the snakes to the brink of extinction. The Chryosporium fungus is an emerging infectious disease that has been plaguing eastern massasauga rattlesnakes all over the Midwest. In 2008, researchers first noted symptoms of facial swelling and ulcers in snakes, leading them to identify the pathogen (4). Dr. Matthew Allender of the University of Illinois is an expert on the topic and says, “[this] disease causes widespread and ongoing deaths in populations that seriously threaten biodiversity across the United States.” He adds that this type of infection, though rare, has actually been seen in similar cases in the wild before: “Fungal pathogens have been increasingly associated with free-ranging epidemics in wildlife, including the well-known effects of white-nosed syndrome in bats.” The disease afflicting bats in this case has killed millions of bats already, something Allender is afraid may also happen to the eastern massasaugas, though not to the numerical extent of the bats (5).

Not only does the Chryosporium fungus swiftly kill eastern massasaugas and threaten their future, but in doing so, the fungus drastically reduce the snakes’ contribution to biodiversity. The deadly pathogen, coupled with the ongoing habitat loss faced by the snakes, is destroying the species removing it from the natural system it once belonged to, throwing off the balance of life. Unfortunately, as of now there does not seem to be a successful method in combatting the toxic fungus. However, Dr. Allender and researchers at the University of Illinois are working to develop successful approaches to the disease and rebuild the population, though the problem of habitat loss may reduce their effectiveness. As Dr. Allender implied, conserving species that make up our natural systems would be conserving our own futures.

Works Cited

• http://eol.org/pages/790627/overview
• http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/reptiles/eama/eama-fct-sht.html
• http://www.easternmassasaugarattlesnake.com/
• http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/17/12/11-0240_article
• http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/white-nose_syndrome/

Scientifically named Sistrurus catenatus, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is a small, brown-grey snake with a thick body that tends to live in shallow wetlands in the the Midwest. The word massasauga supposedly means “great river mouth” in the Chippewa language, describing the habitat of the snake around river deltas. Due to increased habitat loss as a result of conversion of wetlands into agricultural fields and industrial land, the snake has become endangered in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. This slow moving snake ranges in length from 45 to 75 cm, or 18 to 30 inches, and consists of large brown spots all over its body. It has a triangular shaped head with pupils shaped like slits. The snake’s skin is smooth and consists of small bumps, and it covers a tough, thick body underneath. Known to be venomous, the eastern massasauga is also a pit viper and possesses heat-sensing pit organs between the eye and nostril on either side of its head, allowing the snake to recognize its surroundings and potential prey in its vicinity. When attacking prey, the eastern massasauga strikes very fast and injects venom from its fangs into the body of the animal it is seeking to consume, which is usually small animals like mice. Though the venom from the snake is lethal to small animals, it is generally not recognized as being very dangerous to humans, as it injects much less venom than other rattlers. The eastern massasauga is prey to eagles and herons.

Information retrieved from:
http://www.fws.gov/Midwest/endangered/reptiles/eama/index.html
http://www.easternmassasaugarattlesnake.com/

All species have intrinsic value; they are living, breathing creatures and plants that are not placed on earth simply to provide humans with enjoyment and profit. Just as humans enjoy freedom to do as they want (and to basically dominate the entire world), other beings on the planet deserve the right to live freely as well. Though they may serve instrumental purposes, it is wrong to think that humans can do as they please by destroying or altering the natural world. It is our duty as the dominant species to protect the land given to us and to value our surroundings, whether it is a simple piece of grassland or a towering elephant.

Looking to the Future: University of Illinois Makes Leaps in Sustainability

It is widely known that the University of Illinois prides itself in its original standing buildings, like Foellinger Auditorium and Smith Hall, which harbor much historic and aesthetic appeal, but they are far from being environmentally sustainable. One building, however, is truly an ode to sustainable architecture, planning, and engineering – the new Electrical and Computer Engineering building on the engineering quad at the university. With all LED lighting, enormous glass windows, photovoltaic cells on the roof that are soon to be placed, and electrical vehicle plug-in ports, just to name a few, the brand new building shatters sustainability requirements and earns itself a LEED platinum status.

Phil Krein, Professor of Engineering and a prominent leader in the ECE building project, said on day one in 2008 to the architect on the project, “We want to make the most energy-efficient engineering building in the world.” He added in a recent speech six years after the initial plans, “And I think we’ve succeeded in that.” This success comes from the numerous establishments in and around the ECE building that correspond to LEED platinum certification, which include utilizing terracotta rain wall, planting native species in the land around the building, and introducing chilled beams to the building. The LEED platinum status, LEED standing for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is rather difficult to achieve and certifies that the building has completed the maximum prerequisites for strategic and sustainable maintenance and usage. In addition, it certifies that the building has a net-zero energy usage, which means that the total energy consumed on an annual basis equals the total energy created on site (1).

Built over a two-year span from 2012 to 2014, the $95 million dollar ECE building is innovative in that it encompasses a variety of energy-efficient tactics and activities, such as lighting, heating, cooling, and generally powering the building, all adding to the incredible sustainability of the structure. In a stark contrast to the large part of campus buildings, the ECE building utilizes enormous windows for passive sunlight and temperature control. There are even shutters placed on the outside that filter solar rays but allow for just enough natural lighting inside, acting both as a lighting tool as well as a climate control. Additionally, the terracotta rainwall used in the place of traditional bricks is not only more durable, but it also disperses rain water with friction, effectively decreasing rain runoff and storm runoff, thereby reducing harmful effects to the community.

When compared to other buildings on campus, for instance the Chemistry Annex on the main quad, the state-of-the-art ECE building seems to be built in large part for the benefit of its engineering students in terms of collaboration and group work. The amount of open space for students to work together is unmatched, and the thirty labs in the building even have glass walls, inviting people to witness the ongoing research and engineering. Moreover, some of the energy-saving tactics placed in the building are actually accessible for students to work on. For example, some solar panels, which are due to be placed in a few weeks and largely contribute to the LEED platinum certification, are available to students for mantling and dismantling as an educational tool. Not only is the building environmentally sustainable, but it encourages its students to become familiar with energy-efficient tactics as well.

For those of you who have never been to a lecture in Noyes Laboratory lecture hall 100 during the winter, the sensation of sitting in a hot, odorous, and cramped classroom while learning chemistry with two hundred other students is not one to cherish. The heaters that warm the room are outdated and inefficient, and they cause an overdraft of dry heat to stay stagnant in the room. On the other hand, the Grainger auditorium in the ECE building comfortably seats over two hundred students while maintaining a continuous airflow and staying environmentally friendly. The auditorium does not include an air conditioner, drastically reducing energy costs, and it instead relies on air circulating under every single seat, allowing for a pleasant climate and atmosphere.

The University of Illinois is pushing forward in its sustainability campaign, expertly shown by the success of the new Electrical and Computer Engineering building. By cutting large energy costs and reducing its negative impact to the environment, the ECE building is a giant leap forward in innovative technology coming together with smart planning. Indeed, the net-zero energy building will set a high standard for similar buildings not only on the University of Illinois campus, but all over the nation and even the world.

Works Cited

1) “LEED Certification.” LEED. U.S. Green Building Council, 2012. Web. 25 Oct. 2014. http://www.usgbc.org/certification.

Planting the Seeds of a New Future

Imagine having a full-time job that not only pays well, but is highly respectable and takes years of training, say, an attorney. Now pair that with a CPA, a few ownerships in businesses, and finally, small-time farming. You may ask, why farming? Why not stick with a law firm and businesses? But that is precisely what Jason Bartell of Central Illinois is – an attorney, with a side of fruit and vegetable farmer. This is where New Illinois Farmers comes in.

As a beginning farming program in Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois, this class, taught by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and officially named “Preparing a New Generation of Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Farmers,” aims at increasing the number of seasonal farmers producing fruits and vegetables. The class, led by Mary Hosier, provides adequate production, sustainability, business, and market strategies to a wide range of students from all different paths in life willing to pursue seasonal farming. Though many students may already have adequate full-time jobs, the class is very manageable and flexible, meeting once a week on Saturdays from 9AM to 4PM and running for a full year in order to properly and successfully teach students throughout every season. Take it from Jason Bartell himself – “Despite having a fulfilling career,” in his words, “I miss the days of my youth on our family farm where I could feel the connection with the land and a sense of purpose in working towards supplying others with quality food.” Enough said.

Until recently, it seemed rather difficult for new farmers to purchase land and start making profits. With land prices reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, even sometimes nearing millions, it may seem impossible for potential farmers to begin. However, as Mary Hosier, the leader of the New Illinois Farmers, put it, “The minimum size for a viable fruit and vegetable farm can be as little as 10 acres and cost only $100,000 for land, allowing many more aspiring farmers an opportunity to begin farming.” Indeed, that is precisely the case with the student-farmers in her class. With an age range from 20 to 71 and various different backgrounds, including attorneys, professional chefs and agricultural educators, to name a few, the number of locally-based, small-time fruit and vegetable farmers is on the rise.

Throughout the past, commodity crop farmers have owned most of the farm acres in Illinois, but now, there is much room for growth and many opportunities for fruit and vegetable farmers. Traditionally, the average fruit grower age has been 57.7 years, meaning they won’t be continuing production after ten years or so. This creates a need for a younger, smarter group of local, profitable growers. By taking the class, aspiring farmers enhance the viability, profitability, and sustainability of new enterprises, as well as the ins and outs of growing. Coupling this with the fact that students learn not only from a talented group of University of Illinois faculty, but also passionate government and community groups, and you’ve got yourself a holistic and multi-faceted education on the process of farming.

New Illinois Farmers is in its early years and so its success cannot be measured with statistical data just yet. However, more and more programs like the University of Illinois-based initiative are springing up throughout the Midwest. The USDA, in conjunction with the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, is supporting these programs and providing grants for educators to continue hosting classes (1).

The practical implications of the program are astounding. Beyond learning lessons on farming practices and sustainable land use, farmers coming out of the program flood markets with locally produced, fresh fruits and vegetables, potentially lessening our dependence on processed foods and produce that comes hundreds of miles to our kitchen tables. In turn, this could alleviate the strain of food miles and energy usage associated with the transport and manufacturing of produce, as well as the reliance placed on food that is susceptible to shocks, like droughts or bad harvests. There is a surge in demand for locally grown produce, as shown by the success of the Urbana Farmers Market in Urbana, Illinois, only increasing the potential for growers to buy in and begin farming. Additionally, there seems to be a nation-wide “green” movement, with a push towards healthier food in schools, workplaces, and homes, targeting local, even non-GMO, foods. There may not be a better time to get involved in growing, as possibilities are rapidly growing.

Aspiring farmers from all over Illinois, like Jason Bartell, are taking the guidelines and preparations provided by the New Illinois Farmers program and heading full-speed ahead on profitable fruit and vegetable growing. From chefs looking to grow their own foods, to attorneys beginning apple tree farms, there really is no stopping the movement spearheaded by Mary Hosier’s University of Illinois farming program. The possibilities are endless, the outcomes seem incredibly positive, and there really is no better time to get involved than now.

A Visit to Illinois’s Natural Past: Comparing Prairie Restoration Lands

Illinois, though known as the “Prairie State,” has tragically lost much of its former landscape and beauty. Residents largely do not understand the meaning of prairie and have long forgotten what this natural land looks like. Like much of the US, Illinois is almost completely exempt of prairie land, with the exception of restoration fields and research lands. Just like many of my peers, I was not aware of prairie, despite living in the state that bears its name; however, I was lucky enough to visit local prairie restorations to get a glimpse of what the very place I reside on looked like hundreds of years ago.

In and around Champaign, Illinois, there are many prairie restoration lands. Though fairly small, these fields restore native plants and flowers, allowing birds and insects to thrive on their nutrients. It is truly quite remarkable to view something that is nearly extinct (99% of all prairie has been destroyed (1)) thriving in a monitored setting. With the colors bright and distinctive, stems of flowering plants rise above the heads of visitors, nearing seven feet. Some of the standout species were the beautiful tall golden rod, as well as the big and little blue stem grasses. Several species like the grey-headed coneflower have strong, unique smells that attract various insects and birds without even causing hay fever.

With a general understanding of prairie, I visited the Florida Avenue/Orchard Street prairie in Urbana, Illinois. With Dr. John Marlin at the helm, groups of volunteers and students have been cultivating the land and re-introducing native species, and the prairie has been steadily flourishing every year. According to Dr. Marlin, only 30 species have been planted at the Urbana prairie, so as to avoid competition in the early stages of growth. These species include golden rods, rattlesnake masters, and pilosus asters. Each spring, certain species blossom and thrive, while the rest come in during the fall. Through the winter, however, the plants die, allowing only the roots to survive. As Dr. Marlin put it, “The seasons are stressful on the plants, but since the underground roots continue living during the harsh winters, the species survive through all seasons.” This refashioned prairie is delicate and bright, a wonderful vision for the looming University of Illinois President’s house. Additionally, certain species even attract birds, adding to the beauty of the prairie. The purple monarda, for example, brings birds in to eat from the flowers. On the other hand, however, there is a constant problem of weeds and low grasses. Each year, volunteers from ages 3 to 86 help to dig out weeds and remove the dandelions and plantains. By a total community effort (and Dr. Marlin leading), the prairie is a growing vision of a distant yet beautiful past.

After studying the Florida Avenue/Orchard Street prairie, I visited Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, which is home to approximately thirty acres of recreated prairie. This prairie was much larger than the Florida/Orchard prairie and includes a more diverse group of species. According to a 2011 report on the Meadowbrook Park prairie, there are around 371 native species in the park, with half of them planted and the other half grown naturally (2). The park is predominated by bluestem grass, including both big and little bluestem. This grass is tall and spread widely, swaying softly in the wind and a delight to the eyes. Despite being heavily set with grass, there are multitudes of colorful flowers springing up, such as the golden alexanders, fall-blooming asters, common blue violets, and purple coneflowers, which are also strongly scented. These flowers provide visitors on the surrounding trail a scenic view of the park. By looking a few feet into the prairie, it is very evident where the forbs and the grass meet, as there is a distinct break in the continuity. This indicates that the grass and the flowering plants may be competitive, or at least certain species cannot thrive together. Furthermore, the prairie includes non-native trees that give shade the neighboring plants, apparently not allowing some plants, such as the golden rods, to thrive. All in all, the prairie was a treat to view and allowed me to experience and appreciate a lost part of Illinois history.

There are several similarities and differences between the Florida/Orchard prairie and the Meadowbrook Park prairie. The most obvious similarities are the flowering plants: golden rods, asters, penstemons, etc. Also, the general picture of the prairies is similar; the prairie, being softly swaying and brightly colored, is unique in its appearance and does not match the otherwise flat, agricultural land of Illinois. Differences between the two prairies include the size, with Meadowbrook Park being much larger than the tiny Florida/Orchard prairie. Also, bluestem grass is prevalent in Meadowbrook Park, whereas it has not been planted in the other prairie. Essentially, Meadowbrook Park is a larger, more diverse prairie that includes trees and grass, and while the Florida/Orchard prairie may look less “natural” due to its small size, it is a continuing reminder of the former beauty of the land.

My experiences while visiting prairies in Urbana, Illinois have made me appreciate the natural former splendor of a land currently known for farming and agriculture. While the Meadowbrook Park and Florida Avenue/Orchard Street prairies may not be native, they are growing year by year to educate residents of the pleasantness of prairie land and the importance of restoring a once prevalent natural ground.

Works Cited

1. Ellis, James. Illinois Master Naturalist: Understanding Prairie in the Prairie State. Champaign: Illinois Natural History Survey, Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability at the U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2014. Print.
2. John White. 2012. Inventory and Analysis of the Flora of Meadowbrook Park. Report to the Urbana Park District by Ecological Services, 904 South Anderson Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801.
   https://www.urbanaparks.org/documents/d92cb50f7a1ebc06be12bf364f337fe5/White_J_2012_Inventory_and_Analysis_of_the_Flora_of_Meadowbrook_Park.pdf

For Ms. Bralts-Kelly:

1. What caused you to pursue the “Backyard Industry” project?

2. How can people become aware of the potential of their “backyards”? And how can these people, as potentially not garden- and food-knowledgable individuals, take advantage of these areas?

3. How have your actions caused visible change? What can other individuals do to create change?

4. What are the possible impacts of bringing local food into the kitchens of UIUC students?

5. Do you know if local restaurants support the local food economy?

My Food Knowledge

I do not know much about the food industry, and before I heard Ms. Bralts-Kelly speak to us, I thought my lack of food knowledge stemmed out of my being a vegetarian. I understood that the meat industry was a hot topic (and probably the biggest topic) in the food industry so being a vegetarian kept me rather far away from those issues. I did not realize that there was much more to this meat industry; not only is it about sanitation and quality of food, but it also encompasses socioeconomic and political issues. For example, quality and standards of working conditions, wages, policy making and makers, immigration, food conditions, illegal activity, etc. Beyond that, I am now understanding that issues also reach my kitchen in the form of local crops from farmers markets, supporting fair practices, and encouraging environmentally-safe practices.

Truthfully, I had never thought of these issues and activities before. Having grown up in tropical city in Kenya, all of the food I consumed was fresh and local (to my knowledge). My family rarely kept frozen meals or ate boxed lunches and dinners. I am still under the impression that the producers of Kenyan fruits, vegetables, and crops are individual farmers rather than corporations. This, coupled with my being a vegetarian, has led to my large lack of knowledge about the food industry. It is a broad topic and there are dozens of factors to consider, and I would like to learn more.

A short 10-minute quiz:

1. Why are grasslands so important to humans? Explain the significance of grasslands in the diet of a human.
2. What are the three major types of prairie grass?
3. Briefly describe the glacial movement in Illinois that has occurred over the past 300,000 years.
4. What is loess and why was it important to prairie during the glacial period?
5. What is the significance of fire to prairie land?
6. How much of the original prairie in Illinois is left?

Regarding the Illinois Climate Action Plan:

1. How are you planning on reducing total building use by 30%? Is there anything specific you are strongly pushing for?
2. What do you think will be the most difficult aspect of the plan? How do you intend on overcoming it?
3. Where is the financing for the program coming from? How have the funds been allocated?
4. What is the bike-sharing program? Has it been put in place?
5. How are you gauging the success of the program?
6. Do you think it is possible to introduce the plan to other universities? Is that a goal of yours in the future?

As a writer, I have many insecurities. I do not necessarily believe that I’m a poor writer; however, I cannot say with full confidence that I truly know what I am doing. Generally speaking, I enjoy writing. It is both a challenge and learning experience. It allows me to compartmentalize information in my brain and forces me to express all that information in the form of comprehensive sentences. My insecurity with writing stems from my inability to keep things short and concise. A long time ago, I used to believe that the more “fluff” in the essay, the better it is, which is definitely the wrong idea. During high school, I had a particular English teacher who taught me to trust myself and write freely. Not only did his writing methods surprise me but they also ended up working to my benefit. I got to appreciate my own work more and I was able to clearly convey my thoughts as words. There is incredible power in the words a person chooses. Writing is a strong form of personal liberty; it allows a person to enhance his thoughts and explain himself completely. I believe that writing will be a part of who I am for many years to come. It is a way to express myself truly, and I believe that it may be the only way to clearly convey my ideals and thoughts in a short, powerful way.