All posts by Briana Bergstrom

Life UnderGROUNDS: Observations, Findings, and Experiences in UVa’s Gardens

Life in Soils

“More respect is due to the little things that run the world.” – E.O. Wilson (Beatley, 35).

Whether it be for studying, relaxing in the shade, having a picnic in the grass, attending a social event, or participating in a walking tour, the Gardens of UVa are popular destinations for visitors, students, and faculty alike.  As the BioGrounds Team tasked with investigating life in soils, we have asked ourselves the following questions: How often do visitors to the Gardens pay attention to the living organisms that exist just below their feet?  What life forms actually exist within the soils of these mixed-use spaces?  And, how can knowing what life forms exist in the soil better connect us to the Gardens with which we have already become so familiar?

Observations and Findings

From the time that we entered the Gardens, specifically Pavilion Garden II, I felt as though we had entered another world.  Though we arrived to measure soil pH, water moisture, and search for signs of macro-invertebrates living in the soil, being in the Gardens instantly enriched day’s experience as I was overcome with awe in being surrounded by such a nature-full space.  We suddenly found ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of daily University life and surrounded by trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, butterflies, bees, and a brick wall.

Since the Gardens are well maintained and experience increased foot traffic in the spring-time, I was initially concerned whether we would find many life forms in the soil.  However, we were pleased to find ants, earthworms, centipedes, millipedes, beetles, slugs, tiny spiders, and what appeared to be barely-visible soil mites.  The presence of these many organisms indicate that, despite these gardens being manicured and well-maintained spaces, its soils are full of life that is necessary to promote healthy plant growth (both directly and indirectly), as well as serve sources of food for other organisms higher up in the food chain (Moravec and Whiting, 2014).  For example, in addition to being a food source for birds, earthworms help to add nutrients to the soil when they consume microorganisms and organic matter to produce nutrient-rich excrements.  As these worms create burrows within the clay soils of the gardens, they also facilitate the infiltration of water and help to oxygenate the soil for healthy plant roots.  Lastly, earthworms do best in soils with a nearly neutral pH, and higher moisture content, which is consistent with our findings (Card, 2011).

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Earthworm

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Millipede

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Slug

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Ant

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Centipede

Experiences: The Healing and Restorative Power of our Gardens

While in the Gardens, I took some time to sit on a bench, clear my mind, and take in the surroundings.  As I looked out and scanned over the Gardens, I noticed how safe, happy, and at peace I felt.  I definitely felt a connection with this space after having a better understanding for what tiny life forms exists in its soils.  Realizing how much I did not know made me more appreciative of these organisms as they all serve important roles in helping to provide us with the healthy gardens that we have today.  For this reason, I think that the life in the soils of our gardens deserve much more respect and attention than they currently receive.

I later found myself making connections to what we learned in class regarding the concepts of “prospect,” “refuge,” and gardens as “healing spaces.”  The Gardens at UVa are perfect examples of spaces with good prospect.  A space with good prospect must have the ability to look out across a vast area.  I was able to look over several of the multiple-tiered levels of the Gardens to not only see the space in its entirety, but also see parts of the University.  Prospect is meant to foster feelings of openness and freedom, as well as safety and control (Browning and Ryan, 2014).  A space with good refuge, away from University-related activities, and demonstrated by the brick walls, is also meant to foster feelings of safety and security and allow for healing and restoration (Browning and Ryan, 2014).  Therefore, it should be known that the Gardens of UVa are not only habitats for many macro-invertebrates and arthropods, but also incorporate several biophilic elements that are relevant to our course.

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Concept of Prospect

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Concept of Refuge

So the next time you find yourselves in the Gardens, look down and see what living organisms might be co-inhabiting the soils of our University underGROUNDS.  Then, take a moment to walk around, or sit on a bench, and experience their therapeutic and restorative powers for yourself!  I certainly will.

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Sources:

Beatley, Timothy. Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature into Urban Design and Planning.

Washington, DC: Island, 2011. Print.

Browning, William, and Catherine Ryan. “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design.” 14 Patterns

of Biophilic Design. Ed. Alice Hartley. Terrapin Bright Green, 12 Sept. 2014. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. <http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/>.

Card, Adrian. “Earthworms.” Earthworms. Colorado State University, 2011. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.

<http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/218.html>.

Moravec, Catherine, and David Whiting. “The Living Soil.” The Living Soil. Colorado State

University Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, 2011. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/212.html>.

Post by Chantal Madray

Soil Data Findings from Garden II – What Does it All Mean?

Life in Soils

On an overcast, stickily-humid April day, the Gardens taskforce of the Life in Soils team traipsed across the Lawn to the even-numbered Gardens lying between the Pavilions and East Range. There, we settled on Pavilion Garden II, a tiered landscape featuring a diverse spread of edible plants, including a large pecan tree, blueberry bushes, grape vines, four varieties of heirloom plums and crabapple trees. The garden is also home to daylilies and a magnolia tree. This garden would be the site for our data collection of soil moisture and pH measurements in order to test the soil quality and therefore extrapolate on the health of the Gardens. We then moseyed around, surveying the soils in each patch of landscaped shrubbery and plants. We came to choose three sites within the garden with which to average our data on soil moisture and pH. The first (1) was a mostly bare patch of soil, with some onions and what looked to be tulips poking out of the ground nearby. The second (2) place was a spot beneath a number of plants nestled around it. The third (3) was nearer to the Rotunda side of the garden, and therefore closer to the construction work that is still underway, right next to a large tree.

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Area (1)

 

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Area (2)

 

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Area (3)

Why do soil moisture and the pH level of soil matter?

First, let’s talk about what each measurement means. Soil moisture content tells you how much water is in the soil, usually as a percentage, representing what percentage of total ‘volume’ of soil is moisture. The amount of water that’s in the soil is of fundamental importance to many hydrological, biological and biogeochemical processes. It determines how much water is available for surrounding plants to take up and is a key variable in controlling the exchange of water and heat energy between the land surface and the atmosphere through evaporation and plant transpiration. Soil moisture, then, plays an important role in development of weather patterns and the production of precipitation. It also directly affects topsoil and nutrient runoff into nearby streams and rivers, resulting in pollution and ecosystem health implications. Soil moisture information can be used for reservoir management, early warning of droughts, irrigation scheduling, and crop yield forecasting.

Soil pH, on the other hand, is an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of soil and is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 as neutral. From pH 7 to 0 the soil is increasingly more acidic and from pH 7 to 14 the soil is increasingly more alkaline or basic. Soil pH has a significant effect on the solubility of essential minerals and nutrients that plants need to obtain from soil. Before plants can use a nutrient it must be dissolved in the soil solution. Most minerals and nutrients are more soluble or available in acidic soils than in neutral or slightly alkaline soils. However, a soil that’s strongly acidic can also be toxic to the growth of certain plants. A pH range of approximately 5.5 to 7.0 promotes the most readily available plant nutrients for most plants. Additionally, soil pH can influence the activity of beneficial microorganisms, affecting plant growth. Bacteria that decompose organic matter are hindered in strongly acidic soils, resulting in a lack of available nutrients, particularly nitrogen, for plants to use to grow effectively.

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Testing the soil moisture content

 

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Testing the pH level

The data we collected is as follows:

Soil Moisture

(1) VMC (volume moisture content) 55%

(2) VMC 58%

(3) VMC 34%

* Average soil moisture content: 49% *

pH Level

(1) 6.84

(2) 6.76

(3) 4.47

* Average pH: 6.02 *

Conclusions drawn from the data:

The soil moisture content average at 49% indicates that the soil in the gardens is most likely at an optimal water content level in order for plants to transpire maintain normal plant growth. In area (3), the soil was composed of more clay and was located right next to a large tree, which could account for the less soil moisture content recorded there.

The average 6.02 pH level we recorded is classified as a moderate acid, which is in the range that is optimal for most plant growth, indicating that the nutrients and minerals in the soil are able to be dissolved in the soil solution and taken up by plants. At this level, it is most likely that the soil is rich with the nutrients plants need to grow and thrive. It is interesting to note however, that area (3) had a noticeably lower pH than the other two locations. The higher acidity found here is most likely due to its proximity to the construction that was occurring right on the other side of the undulating brick wall.

Final thoughts + musings:

So why did we, a group of busy college students with meetings to attend and essays to write, take the time out of our day to go out into the gardens and measure some components of soil? Besides the fact that we were assigned this project, we have truly come to realize how important it is to measure soil health because of the impacts and implications soil has on the ecosystems and nature it supports. Soil is one of the fundamental components of natural systems and fluctuations in the nutrients, minerals and water that composes this vital substance can affect biological functioning, environmental quality, and plant and animal health. Understanding the interactions between soil properties and management will ensure the adoption of appropriate practices to improve and maintain the health of our soils. And ultimately, the health of our soils determines the health of us as individuals, contributing to our happiness and overall wellness. Every time I step outside, I look down to the soil at my feet and feel gratitude and awe for the often-overlooked substance that provides the wondrous opportunity for growth and life.

References:

http://mea.com.au/soil-plants-climate/soil-moisture-monitoring/learning-centre/soil-moisture-content-in-the-field

http://wwwghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/landprocess/lp_home.html

http://www.esf.edu/PUBPROG/brochure/soilph/soilph.htm

http://www.extension.colostate.edu/SEA/News%20Releases/2012/Why%20Should%20We%20Care%20about%20Soil%20Health_Trujillo_5.14.12.pdf

Post by Allie Arnold

The Green Roof of Commerce School

Green Rooftops

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With the skyline of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond, I forget that I’m on the rooftop of the McIntire School of Commerce. I can’t believe I’ve never been here before. Nestled on the roof of the Rouss and Robertson Hall, there is a garden. This garden surrounds a courtyard, a space to study, eat, socialize, and relax. Nelson Byrd Woltz, the architect, designed the space as “not just a garden but an ecologically restorative machine with intended longevity. It takes inspiration from the University Grounds and pavilion gardens. Relying on native plants and local building materials, the courtyard space is also designed to enhance teaching, learning, and social interaction” (http://www.nbwla.com/projects/garden).

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The green rooftop is extensive, meaning it’s composed of a shallow substrate, is relatively light, and is low cost and low maintenance. The vegetation found here are trays of sedum, which require little irrigation. It’s the University’s first environmentally “green” roof. Its mission has been to reduce the temperature and heat load on the roof beneath the plant trays of sedum. Furthermore, the green rooftop protects the roof membrane and increases its longevity by shielding it from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

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One improvement to consider would be to better integrate the garden and courtyard. Currently, they feel like separate entities. They rooftop garden feels shielded from the public. The garden is only accessible to Facilities Management. A student can only admire it from the courtyard. I wish that the courtyard spanned throughout the garden to provide a more harmonious sensation. People would be able to interact more with the nature, rather than just observing it from a close proximity. Having more people exposed to a rooftop garden, would increase the public’s awareness of the importance of them.

Sources:

http://www2.commerce.virginia.edu/building/facts-and-figures/index.asp

http://www.nbwla.com/projects/garden

Post by Cody Simms

 

Micro-organisms

Micro-organisms of Gutters

As a team, we decided to individually collect bacteria from meaningful places around campus that are also representative of the types of bacteria that can be found throughout Charlottesville. My everyday walk involves passing through the one and only Madison Bowl, so I decided to make it the source of my bacterial sample. Mad Bowl (as we call it for short) is host to many sports, events, people, pets and, even if we don’t think about it much, it is also hosts to an array of microorganisms, including bacteria. I will collect soil from Mad Bowl, carefully picking soil that is closer to the grass, since bacterial colonies tend to live closer to plant roots. The bacteria in this sample is likely to be representative of the bacteria found specifically on ground soil, given that green spaces around campus get the same maintenance and environmental factors.

We will meet as a team to observe the bacteria of each different sample under a microscope. It will be interesting to see how bacteria differ or are similar to one another between all of our samples.

Finally, since we can’t photograph what we see and using words to describe bacteria can be a dry experience, we decided to record our observations by drawing them. Whether the result is accurate representation or abstract art, I am not sure, but it will certainly be exciting to see what we all come up with! Who thought that documenting bacteria could be art? I certainly didn’t, but stay tuned to see our upcoming “collection”!

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Even with gloomy weather, we are still mad about Mad Bowl! (Plus, rain means moist soil, and moist soil means optimal environment for bacteria to thrive!)

 Post by Adriana Castillo-Fischer

 

 

Increasing Student Interaction with Trees

Trees and Forests

Despite the warming weather, many UVA students restrict themselves to studying indoors. This is not a positive health decision. As per the Stress Reduction Theory, derived from a 2013 study conducted by Bratman, Hamilton, and Daily, nature is proven to have a positive effect on ones stress level. Schools and hospitals continue to increase use of windows, in an attempt to foster a stronger connection with students and nature. Many trees across our grounds provide shade and are accompanied by benches and tables, creating an ideal study spot. The reason many students study inside might be due to a lack of knowledge of the prevalence of these study areas, along with the lack of knowledge surrounding the positive benefits that trees can provide to students on grounds.

As a University, we need to increase our awareness of these bountiful locations throughout grounds and take advantage of them. When studying or eating indoors, students do not receive the benefits of trees and nature. Benches and picnic tables under trees provide a relaxed, positive, and resourceful work environment for the aspiring student. A 2011 UVA landscape report refers to some of these locations under the subheading “Refuge + Retreat – Gardens and Courtyards”. 2 However, a shifted perspective to these areas being viewed as more multifunctional and as alternative study areas can greatly help reduce the stress of student and faculty.

When studying, a student will take breaks or get distracted by unrelated things. When studying outdoors, a break period is not an unproductive distraction, but is referred to as soft fascination. Soft fascination consists of the therapeutic and restorative elements found when observing nature. Soft fascination is positive for the body and mind, helping to reduce stress hormones (Rinchen-Wongmo).

A location on grounds that does not receive enough acknowledgment is the spaces surrounding Nau Hall. The environment surrounding this building has multiple sites for studying in sight of, or next to trees. The back patio area does not receive shade coverage from the tree canopy, yet reaps benefits from the many surrounding trees. The student sits in a more controlled outdoor environment and experiences the soft fascination of trees, rustling leaves and insect biodiversity. The same student has the option to move out to a more distant area on the nearby grass, and can potentially study or relax under a tree. The paths surrounding Nau Hall make the scenic route worthwhile, as there is a lot of exposure to trees (picture 1).

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Picture 1: Trail around Nau Hall

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Picture 2: Area outside Nau Hall

The other side of Nau Hall differs in that there is an area in which both benches and a picnic table are directly immersed by the noninvasive, ornamental trees seen in picture 2. The trees of this area provide shade and create stress-free environment to productively study, eat or relax. Many tables within the building overlook the outdoor area. If you cant be outside, perhaps due to weather, a seat with a view of trees can help to reduce stress through an indirect form of nature.

The many pavilion gardens surrounding the perimeter of the lawn have trees and benches that are not being used to their full potential. These areas put students in a place that is away from their daily stress, allowing them to relax and study in an effort to avoid poor mental health. The negative effects of stress are extreme, and studying or not, we must utilize these areas bountiful with nature to combat the high levels of stress regularly seen in a college setting.

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Picture 3: Pavilion VII Garden

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Picture 4: Pavilion V Garden

The University can add more benches under the existing tree areas, as a solution to students who avoid sitting on the ground. Tables can also be put into place to replicate a setting of a library; this can help a student using multiple books and accommodate larger groups. By promoting these relaxation regions as alternative study areas, UVA not only promotes a positive image for utilizing the nature around us, but also shows that they encourage students to obtain both academic success and a healthy mind.

 

Post by Ben Steinberg

Work Cited

Bratman, Gregory, J. Paul Hamilton, and Gretchen C. Daily. “The Impacts of Nature Experience on Human Cognitive Function and Mental Health.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1249 (2012): n. pag. Web.

Landscape Typologies + Standards. Rep. Office of the Architect, University of Virginia 2011, n.d. Web.

Rinchen-Wongmo, Leslie. “Environment, Meditation, & Soft Fascination.” Threads of Awakening RSS. N.p., 23 June 2009.

 

UVA Birdsongs

Birds

On April 2nd from 2:15 to 3:15, me and my classmate Morgan Rudd went to a picnic table in front of the astronomy building across the street from Ohill and set up a recorder to record the birdsong in that area. It was a sunny day with temperatures around mid 70’s however the wind was blowing very hard which may have slightly messed with the audio recording. Upon sitting at the picnic table and taking about five minutes to just listen to the birds, I felt much more relaxed. I was not able to get a good look at any of the birds because of the tree cover around the building but I could definitely hear the songs of various species of birds. After about 15 minutes of listening, I began to quietly read and look over some notes for an upcoming test. I definitely felt calmer and less distracted when sitting outside on this beautiful day versus sitting in a library surrounded by people and electronics. I have never been much of a bird enthusiast however I really do see the positive effects of an interaction with nature and I believe that it would do everyone some good to take 20-30 minutes a day to emerge themselves into nature. I know I will.

Post by Mitch Brown 

 

The Benefits of Green Roofs on Grounds

Green Rooftops

Green roofs have become an increasingly popular design feature throughout the US urban landscape. Architects are now adding them onto the roofs of cities in an attempt to encourage sustainability and mitigate environmental impact. The average green roof provides numerous benefits to the surrounding community. Contrary to popular belief, these benefits are not limited the environment. There are three main areas in which green roofs provide major benefits: environmental, economic and social.

Environmental Benefits

One of the primary benefits of green roofs is that it improves the air quality in the surrounding community. Not only does it sequester carbon, but also often becomes a net carbon sink, which is especially useful in an urban setting. A net carbon sink is a reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases into the atmosphere. A secondary benefit of green roofs is that they absorb storm water and then absorbed water is filtered and pollutants are removed. Green roofs can also act as a buffer for acid rain, which is especially useful in areas that suffer from reoccurring acid rain. Another benefit of green roofs is that they can be build out of recycled material, which reduces the communal impact on the environment.

Economic Benefits

            There are a variety of economic benefits that green roofs provide. One primary benefit is insulation to buildings. Green roofs can keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, thus lowering cooling and heating bills. A second benefit is that if the green roof is properly installed, it can actually lengthen the life of a roof, thus lowering replacement costs. Green roofs also have the opportunity to create jobs through the installation and maintenance of the roof. If there is a garden on the roof, it also offers potential to grow and sell produce. Green roofs and urban agriculture have also been known to increase property value and marketability, which could attract more potential students to look at the University.

Social Benefits

            Green roofs are known for creating interactive outdoor spaces and can host spaces for people to relax, converse or study. Green roofs have the potential to foster community through communal upkeep and maintenance. Green roofs provide educational opportunities to schools with the potential for classes based on the biodiversity that the green roofs foster. These roofs also improve productivity, which can be very beneficial to a school community. Green roofs provide numerous mental and health benefits, including reductions in asthma due to improve air quality and a reduction in stress.

Green roofs have the opportunity to provide numerous benefits to the UVA community. While UVA does have some green roofs around grounds, they are unexciting and are not harnessing the potential benefits. Many people worry about the costs of implementing more green roofs around grounds but the average green roof has a payback period of around 6.2 years. Not only does it offer numerous environmental, economic and social benefits but it also will beautify the university and ultimately, pay for itself in benefits.

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Ruth Caplin Theater Green Roof

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Rouss Robertson Hall Green Roof

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Ruth Caplin Theater Green Roof

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Rouss Robertson Hall Green Roof

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Special Collections Library Green Roof

 

Post by Morgan Klausner, Second Year, Environmental Thought and Practice Major

Bats Houses

Bats

When most people think of bats they don’t picture them as being very important, however bats are extremely important to the environment.  They eat thousands of insects, which ultimately lead to less pests getting to crops and less pesticides used in the farming of these crops.  Also, bat houses give bats a place to live close to your garden, while simultaneously keeping them out of your house.  Bat habitats are decreasing rapidly and bat houses are a safe and secure way to house these bats during the day and allow them to raise their young.

To build a bat house you must first think of a couple topics, such as what type of bats are in the area and the size of these bats, after that you can determine the size of the bat house you want to build and then go for it!  Or if you would like to purchase a bat house there are countless websites where you can find pre-made ones that would fit perfectly in your yard.

Bat houses range in size, from a single chamber to a four chamber one.  They can either be mounted on a building or put up on a post.  In order to get the highest number of bats to come to your bat house use these suggestions.  Since summer in Charlottesville is between 85-95 degrees, you should use a dark or medium shade of paint to attract the most bats. It also needs to be in areas that receive direct sunlight for 6-8 hours of the daytime, over 10 feet above the ground, near water and around a variety of agriculture.

According to the Virginia.gov wildlife, there are 8 different types of bats that could be living in Charlottesville, the first four bats are all cave dwelling bats, meaning they hibernate in caves, and tree bats that hibernate in leaf clusters, logs, hollow trees or sometimes buildings.  These eight different types of bats are all ones you may find in your bat house!

Cave bats:

The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus lucifugus)

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Northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis septentrionalis)

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Eastern pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus subflavus)

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Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus fuscus)

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Tree bats:
Silver haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)

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Eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis borealis)

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Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus cinereus)
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Evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis humeralis)
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Examples of bat houses:

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Post by Matthew Dowling


Information:
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bats/facts/
http://www.batconservation.org/bat-houses
http://www.charlottesvilleanimalcontrol.com/?p=1
http://www.pscountrycrafts.com/products/ps-country-crafts-bird-houses/product-guides/bat-house-zones/

Pictures:
http://www.batconservation.org/bat-houses
http://www.batguys.com/services/bats/Bat-Article.html
http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Myotis+septentrionalis
http://home.earthlink.net/~cmsquare/silverhr.html
http://biology.eku.edu/bats/redbat.html
http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/environmental_education/BLM-Idaho_nature/wildlife/bats/hoary_bat_.html
http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/blog/eveningbat.jpg

Hereford Residential College

Trees and Forests

One of the most historic and proud residential colleges found on Grounds here at the University of Virginia is the Hereford Residential College. The goals of first building this residential college was to provide social and intellectual programming while also promoting a deep notion of community. Hereford opened in 1992 as the University’s second-ever residential college. Its design was intended to emulate a modern version of Thomas Jefferson’s Academical Village plan. Being a resident of Hereford myself, I have observed how similar the community is to that of the one on the lawn. The scenic view and the untamed nature around the residential college is absolutely astonishing especially because it sits on top of Observatory Hill overlooking the mountainous terrain beyond.

Embedded in the middle of the five buildings of Hereford is an acre of lawn that acts as the center of the community where you can find picnic tables and hammocks. Now that the weather has started to take a turn in favor of spring, students have started to frequently visit this spot whether it is to study, hangout with friends, or just soaking up the bright rays of the sun. The great thing about this area is that it is lined with trees that so nicely drape over some of the hammocks that are present. These trees provide shade over the hammocks which makes it extra relaxing and comfortable for the people using them. The trees themselves provide a feeling of comfort and wholesomeness especially when you are nestled deep within them while laying on a hammock, sitting on the grass, or tossing a football around with others.  Without the trees, the space would feel really empty and there would definitely be something missing in the thick of it all.

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Hereford Residents making use of the hammocks and picnic tables under the trees.

In a recent study published by the journal Environmental Pollution, the researchers found that people who lived around more trees relative to people who lived in dense cities, tended to live longer. The study found that “trees prevented 850 human deaths and 670,000 cases of acute respiratory symptoms in 2010 alone”.  When a significant area of trees is removed from a population, air pollutants begin to rise in the environment because the trees had acted as a filter in a way to intercept these pollutants.  The study concluded that trees serve a more impactful use when they are in urban areas, rather than rural ones, because of the closeness of proximity to people. Everyday we take the trees and forests around us for granted without realizing how much importance they have by removing the potential air pollution that could be present without them.

 

Post by Garrick Sin

Coming Soon: ANTS!

Ants

It may not be the first thought on your mind when you walk outside, but actually try to think about the last time you saw an ant in Charlottesville. After an unusually long winter, the ants are slowly but surely making themselves visible. But what have they been doing all this time? How did they survive the frost without invading our homes and dorms in their systematic little lines? The answer is that ants are experts at braving the seasons. In Autumn, ants eat large amounts of foods such as plants, fungus, food scraps, and even other insects. Another reason you may not have seen an ant lately is because they do most of their food foraging under the cover of night. In the winter, ant’s body temperatures drop dramatically and they seek out warm spaces in deep soil, under rocks or under the bark of trees. They also join together as a community by snuggling together and huddling around the queen. When you learn about all of this you may think, “Wow, ants are pretty cool!” But all of that goes out of the roof when you’re trying to have a picnic on the Lawn and you find ants crawling up next to your freshly bought food from the Dumpling Truck. Let the ant killing begin. But with a little preplanning and some simple materials you can say “shoo ant, don’t bother me” without having an ant killing on your conscience. Plus, these are techniques you can use in your home or dorm room to keep out the ants without damaging the environment with harmful pesticides.

1)    Take chalk and draw a line around the edge of where you do not want ants to intrude and the calcium carbonate will help repel the ants.

2)    Spray lemon juice, cinnamon essential oil, or peppermint oil, around windows and doors for a great smelling house/dorm and an ant free space.

3)    Place coffee grounds or cornmeal in cracks where ants are entering or exiting. This will not kill them but just repels them and makes them relocate. It’s also a little safer if you have pets than placing the toxic bait packets around that they could chew into.

Hopefully these will be easy and effective ways for you to keep ants at bay without hurting them in the process. Just like how every person in Charlottesville suddenly becomes a runner on that first nice warm day, the ants will emerge from their winter homes with a fury. For picnickers, homeowners, or anyone trying to stop the hungry ants without killing them or using pesticides, these could come in handy. I have noticed that not many people know about these natural remedies to dealing with insects.In our urban planning practices, we are encouraged to embrace nature in the cities, but often ignore the insects which preside in almost all forms of nature indoors and outdoors. It is very possible for us to coexist and create spaces for each other to thrive. Ants are significant and have been a large part of our history appearing in books, movies, poems, games, paintings sculptures, music and much more. Even though they’re tiny, species of ants preside all around the world and appear in almost every known language. Specifically in Virginia, you may run into the Little Black Ant, the Carpenter Ant, the Crematogaster Ant, the Odorous House Ant, the Pavement Ant and the Yellow Ant. You will be seeing some of these around Charlottesville soon enough! Hopefully you’ll refrain from killing them and use natural ingredients instead to send the ants on their merry way.

Post by Jennifer Reid

Sources:

https://www.pesticideresearch.com/site/?page_id=1143

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/28/how-to-get-rid-of-ants_n_1385182.html

http://www.terro.com/where-have-all-the-ants-gone

http://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Black-Carpenter-Ant

http://ant.edb.miyakyo-u.ac.jp/BE/Kingdom/3233/3233e.html