Intro to Environmental Studies Spring 2026

 Since my term paper was on lawns, I did research on the effect of synthetic pesticides on gardens, lawns, crops, etc. Studies continue to show that synthetic pesticide use harms more species than intended. This got me to question how farmers could avoid pesticides but still have a high crop yield. I did some looking and found that many farmers grow crops that encourage natural predators. This enhances biodiversity, which has various benefits, while providing a way to reduce the amount of insect/animal consumption on the crops. Applying natural pest controls and using sustainable farming practices reduces pesticide use without limiting crop yield. 

 Today I went on a mock hike on the Nolan Trail to help prepare for my upcoming backpacking trip. To recreate one aspect of the trip, I left my phone at my dorm. Typically, when I go, I listen to music or podcasts, but I decided to make it more realistic. Because I left my phone in my dorm, I was more immersed in the environment. I was able to see animals and observe nature in a way that I wouldn't have been able to if I had brought my phone. This reminds me that we are too often distracted to properly enjoy the nature around us. As I continue to prepare, I think I will continue to apply this practice. 

 In high school, I was a Student Ambassador for Virginia's Environment (SAVE). I got the opportunity to do this program through Keep Virginia Beautiful. Throughout the 8 months, I attended biweekly meetings with Keep Virginia Beautiful employees and environmental leaders across the nation. The topics ranged from current environmental priorities to future opportunities. I also had to plan 2 litter clean-ups and present the data as a requirement of the program. For this, I planned and led clean-ups around my city and had participants collect an inventory of the types of items they collected. When I think back to my participation in this, I am happy that I took the chance and applied. It led me to think about how our environmental conditions, natural or man-made, have an impact on our health. 

 This past weekend, there was a Gardening Symposium on campus. Since I am doing my term paper on lawns, I decided to stop by. I shared about my assignment and purpose for being there. I learned about the local Master Gardeners, different local pollinators, and how to create an environment that benefits them as well as us. They introduced me to resources I could use, discussed them, and even showed me types of plants that work in lawns and gardens. My family was with me, and I even convinced my dad to buy a few plants for our garden at home! This information from the symposium will be very beneficial as I work on my term paper. 

I have been setting a daily goal of spending at least 30 minutes outside. Whether I'm walking, sitting, or doing work, I have been consistently attempting to meet this goal. Last week was the first week that I was able to consistently stick to my set goal and achieve it. I was talking with my roommate earlier about our week, and I mentioned how abnormally good and productive the week felt to me. My energy levels were higher, I didn't feel as stressed, and my immune system held up after my entire team was sick.  This brought me back to our discussion of ecotherapy and forest bathing. During my research, I learned that being in a natural setting improved immune system functioning. I also found that being in a green space reduced stress and anxiety and promoted positive emotions. Because I did the research and learned this information, I could identify these effects as results of my increased time outdoors. All of this to say, taking the time to learn about these environmental pra...