Helping Raise Environmental Awareness
Sisters with the students at their study presentation at Nazareth University on Earth Day
The Sisters of Saint Joseph are assisting young scholars in raising awareness about environmental concerns.
Since March, students in the Environmental Science and Sustainability program at Nazareth University have been researching the wetlands on the 150 French Road property. The collaboration began after Holly Rockwell, coordinator of the SSJ Justice and Care for Creation Office, reached out to the director of the program to see if there may be an opportunity to connect students and Sisters who share a concern for the environment.
On Earth Day, the students unveiled their study, “Combating Eutrophication: Evaluating the Devastating Impacts of Nutrient Runoff on Wetland Ecosystems.” Rockwell and a few Sisters attended the presentation in the Nazareth gymnasium. The study explores the damaging effects of excess nutrients—primarily from fertilizer runoff—on aquatic environments. Eutrophication, they explained, occurs when nutrient overloads in water bodies lead to depleted oxygen levels and rampant algal blooms.
“Many of us have noticed that the ponds are almost completely green in the summer. This isn’t good,” said Rockwell. “For many reasons, when a pond becomes eutrophic, the ecosystem is harmed.”
Building on their initial findings, the students plan to continue their research in the fall. Their next phase will involve analyzing water samples and surveying the effects on the plants and animals. Once their field research is complete, the students intend to share a science-based mitigation plan with the Sisters.
“This project will raise awareness about the environmental impact of lawn care practices and promote sustainable practices,” added Rockwell. “By addressing these issues before they cause significant ecological harm, we aim to support the long-term health of the wetlands in our care.”
Pictured left: Nazareth University students researching our wetlands in March (Courtesy of Nazareth University)