In this picture I see a piece of graffiti in the Lilly Branch watershed. I see it as representative of the arts, something the Athens community cares about greatly.
I was struck by the presence of art, albeit simple, in this utilitarian area. It was out of place in a metal structure, which itself was out of place in a more natural area.
The picture makes me think about how disruptive and conspicuous our presence and impact can be if we are not careful to limit it. The giant metallic structure covers up the natural beauty of the watershed, forcing new art to replace what could have been natural majesty.
I feel both displeased that our presence has caused a break in the environment, but also happy that someone could use this space to express themselves.
This picture is about the changes that our presence can force in the natural environment, whether or not we are aware of it.
Start basic: In this picture, I see a metal sculpture along the river bank.
What I notice in this picture: The sharp juxtaposition between the sculpture and its surroundings.
What this picture makes me think about: While the artwork itself is clearly well made it does not seem to fit into its environment and its sharp lines seem almost ugly next to the more organic and gentle ones of nature that surround it. In contrast, the stone walls don’t seem quite so intrusive. The picture makes me think about how we interact with our environment. There are two approaches in the photo: one is that of the metal which stakes a place for itself regardless of whether it belongs (which is even shown in the rusty look of the sculpture) and the other is the stonework which uses materials that feel more natural in the environment.
When I look at this picture, I feel: This picture makes me feel uncomfortable. The metal sculpture seems to be intruding on the serenity that surrounds it as well as seeming to deteriorate so much faster than its current habitat.
I think this picture is about: To me, this picture addresses a few issues. One it draws attention to the effect of industrialization on the environment: if this metal structure seems so wrong where it is shown, how well do our other metal contraptions belong? Are we just disturbing the natural beauty and serenity of the world? It also presents a commentary on the passage of time. The unnatural sculpture rusts and deteriorates while its surroundings flourish in comparison. There seems to be a metaphor about the importance of humanity in the life of the world in that. The third and perhaps most topical message seems not to discourage human interaction but rather to encourage careful thought before taking said action. There are two human structures shown and one clearly seems to be more natural in the environment as well as in better condition. This could be a message about how working with our environment can lead to more successful and enduring endeavors than stubbornly staking our place with no regard for the world around us will ever produce.
In this picture I see a storm drain with a sign asking people to not dump things into it because it drains to the river. There is no river present, but it’s a reminder of the river that flows underground throughout campus.
What struck me was that as soon as I noticed one of these signs, I noticed many more. Even within about 20 feet of the storm drain pictured were two more, one of which I walked past before even noticing this one. But without having had this first one brought to my attention, I never would have noticed any of them.
This makes me think about how much of a problem it must be for rivers when people dump trash or even just other liquids into storm drains. Obviously, it’s a problem when people dump things directly into a river, but I hadn’t thought about how much trash must enter rivers through storm drains.
This picture makes me feel hopeful. The more awareness there is of the effect trash has on the river, the cleaner the rivers will be. I also like that the sign shows a picture of a fish, reminding people of the direct effects dumping can have on wildlife in rivers.
This picture is about conserving river and watershed ecosystems in any way we can. Some people go on walks specifically to pick up trash, others place or even just obey signs like these. While some of these activities are more helpful than others, participating in any is beneficial to the river.
In this picture, I see a large culvert where the river flows through. On the edges toward me and across me was massive erosion of the banks.
It really struck me how the erosion scarred the landscape. There were exposed roots from the trees and bushes. The large culvert also surprised me, the structure clearly man-made in an otherwise natural environment.
This picture made me feel that some of the water branches have been designed poorly. I had walked past this area before during heavy raining and noticed some incredibly powerful torrents flowing through there. On another occasion, I noticed a huge area of earth had crumbled down into the water. I feel that people walking past this would also be shocked at how the land just gave into the water. It just wouldn’t appear like a clean water branch.
When I look at the image, it makes me feel uncomfortable. To me, the edges of the bank shouldn’t be so eroded. The large culvert also does not look good in it’s surrounding.
I think this picture is about problems with the erosion of the landscape, with how the branches of water currently flow on campus.
This is an image of the culvert behind Bolton Dining Commons. The photo was taken on the bridge over the culvert. In this picture, I see a hidden culvert towards the back of the photo with a small stream coming out of it. What stuck out to me in this photo is the cleanliness of the area. Thousands of UGA students pass in and out of Bolton and walk across this bridge. Especially with Bolton being a dining hall, I assumed there would be some level of trash in the stream, but it is very clear. I thought it was impressive that there was no debris in this culvert as it would be so easy for a student to toss something aside on their way out of Bolton. Someone may pass this culvert and think nothing of it other than a stream that makes their walk to class a little more appealing. What they don’t know is that this stream contributes to the UGA watersheds and is very important in how the Athens area attains fresh water. The culvert is an important asset in maintaining the campus water flow. When I view this picture, I see the respect the students and faculty of UGA have for its environment. I feel at peace when I look at this picture knowing that UGA values preserving the environment. This photo is about maintaining a healthy environment in which the water is clean and flows smoothly. It is about always finding ways to better our campus environment.
In this picture, I see a storm drain cover with a no dumping drains to river sign
What struck me about this picture is that I never noticed a sign like this before. I see storm drains every day, but I’ve never noticed a sign that reads drains to river.
This picture makes me think about other storm drains I’ve seen that are clogged with trash. I’ve never noticed a sign like this before, but I imagine there are some other storm drains that have this and some that are also filled with trash. Which means that trash is directly dumped into a river.
When I look at this picture, I feel a little shocked I have never noticed a sign like this before. I clearly need to pay more attention to little signs like this. I think it is easy to brush off and ignore signs like this. If I wasn’t told to look out for this sign today, I would have probably saw the writing and the red pavement and assumed that said no parking not that the drain goes directly to a river.
I think this picture shows how even in a parking lot surrounded by buildings (where this photo was taken) what we do can still have an impact of the environment and water supply around us. Even if that water is not immediately visible.
In this picture, I see a sewer manhole where that leads to where waste is transported.
I really noticed just how many sewer manholes there were since there is just so much waste that is created in a place like Athens. We aren’t always sure of how secure and healthy these things are and just what is going on where we can’t see.
This is a very common sight for someone, so it might not really be thought about on a first glance. It is inly when someone thinks about it more that they actually think about sewer waste and the impact it can have.
When I look at this picture, I feel like there is so much that we don’t realize about our environment and what can affect it. We are accustomed to seeing things such as this without caring. It is only when you sit back and think about-possible leakages into water or other areas and just how much waste is created in a city that you realize how much you must do to help keep the environment healthy.
I think this picture is really about the unseen things that go on in our environment and the impacts that people never think about. People must be vigilant in being involved in their community to ensure that everything is as healthy and clean as it can be.
Start basic: In this picture, I see a cliff that has been created by erosion, and a tree that has fallen in the aftermath of the erosion.
What I notice in this picture: After seeing it in real life, I found it really powerful how such a substantial amount of erosion can occur due to such a small amount of water. I was expecting a small amount of erosion that would normally be at the side of a river or small creek.
What this picture makes me think about: What do you think someone would interpret this at first? At first sight, it sort of looks like a little sink hole had just occurred, and most people might be frightened by the aftermath but fail to acknowledge how humans have a substantial impact on why it happens in the first place.
When I look at this picture, I feel: Disappointed, knowing that the erosion is not only effecting the shape of the land, but has major impacts on the nature and wildlife (trees, plants, animals, etc.) around it.
I think this picture is about: I think this picture is about a large chunk of land that has fallen in on itself due to erosion.
Taken across the street from Joe Frank Harris Commons, this photo shows the Lily Branch Watershed. A fairly basic image of the water flow, it illustrates the relative closeness of the watershed to a major part of campus.
What is so striking about this photo is the way the architecture of the surrounding human-made facilities was designed to take into account the watershed. The sidewalk gently bends to avoid the water; the roads are actually bridged over the water; the sheer amount of engineering required to build a structurally sound area with a watershed running underneath is astounding to me. To cap it all off, it’s right in the heart of the East Campus region, yet the architecture around it is designed such that no one even realizes the water had any sort of influence on its final layout.
Some might see this photo as an example of the lush and beautiful greenery found across our campus. I agree with those people. It makes me think about and truly appreciate the natural wonder that surrounds the many buildings and green-spaces on our campus.
When I look at this picture, I feel at peace. I love to explore nature (generally when it’s not so hot out) and take pictures and enjoy the scenery. That’s what I get from this image. It’s a peaceful brook in a large cluster of green trees. What could be better and more relaxing on a hot summer day (other than a cool breeze…)!
I think this picture is about the amazing potential blend between the natural and the man-made. Being situated in East Campus, the watershed is certainly not far from a lot of human activity and construction. Yet, despite this juxtaposition that seemingly has been lost in most big cities, the two merge into such a peaceful and beautiful sight (and its civilized!), as the water gently flows towards the Oconee.
In this picture, I see the stream from underground to visibly seeing it on mainland. There are many trees, bushes, and rocks along the sides of the stream.
What I notice in this picture: The one thing that really sticks out to me in this picture is what I circled in red- the erosion. I think that this location and picture clearly shows what erosion is, as I have never seen anything like that before.
What this picture makes me think about: At first, I didn’t know that what I circled was erosion. I thought it was just a bunch of rocks and bushes along the sides and that that part was just muddy and didn’t have grass covering it.
When I look at this picture, I feel: that this is a beautiful picture because it shows erosion the best way possible, in my opinion. It also shows how UGA has natural locations on its campus that can be used for learning experiences, similar to this scavenger hunt.
I think this picture is about: the erosion of the stream and watershed. It suggests that the stream has been here a long time. It was one of the items on our checklist and when my team members saw it, they immediately started snapping pictures of it.
