Sam Is Out Standing!

 

I have committed myself to investigating the biodiversity of the York River for the next 10 or so weeks, but what is biodiversity? I define biodiversity as the necessary variation and culmination of life on Earth. High biodiversity establishes redundancy and is the basis for a stable and resilient environment. While an individual may be enough to heavily influence local biodiversity, influencing it on a larger scale requires concentrated efforts. For example, I can control the species in my yard pretty well, but regionally is harder to control. America has regional outbreaks of invasive species, like emerald ash borers or spotted lantern flies, which lower biodiversity. The USDA works to control these outbreaks so they do not spread to unaffected areas, however a regional outbreak can seem impossible to control at times (USDA, 2023). On national and international scales, the response necessary is massive and more factors are at play. While some species can boost an areas native diversi...

Hello, my name is Samantha! If we are not acquainted, here are a few facts about me: I have a hard time choosing favorite things, I am a youngest child, I love sweets, and I and am currently enrolled in VT's Online Master of Natural Resources program. This school semester, I will be investigating biodiversity in the York River! York River State Park Photo by Samantha Wilson The York River is an interesting stretch containing multiple types of ecosystems, from sandy beaches to tidal marshes and estuaries. Added to the mix are highly developed areas like the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station and the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center . I grew up on the York River and I think very highly of it, although I have not made the time to visit as often as I would like to. In my undergrad I became familiar with the Virginia Scenic Rivers Program , and I was shocked that the York River was not included. Over the course of this semester, I would like to learn more about the local organizations that...

Floating Treatment Wetland Cut-Flower Guide f or Virginia Samantha Wilson Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are a type of sustainable infrastructure that work to improve water quality. FTWs are buoyant plots that allow plants to grow on top of the water. These plants can then improve water quality by removing excess nitrogen and phosphorus that can accumulate in water from wastewater, stormwater, and agricultural runoff. In order to not reintroduce pollutants taken up by the plants into the water, it maybe best practice to harvest them at maturity, like one would with cut-flowers. That said, what types of flowers would make the best candidates for production on FTWs? Here are my picks based on plant and customer preferences, sourced from an interest assessment where stakeholders where asked for their favorite plants to grow, buy, and sell. Top Three: I couldn't choose just one! Iris virginica,  Virginia Iris Iris virginica var. shrevei from  Pizzo Native Plant Nursery Native ...