Category: Watershed Cleanup Photo Reflection

Travis Thurber – Photo Reflection

In this picture, I see some lively green plants resting near a seemingly still body of water. in the center, there is a half exposed tire buried beneath the dirt. The area is mostly shaded but some rays of light make it through the tree leaves above.

What I notice in this picture is the main reason why I took it, which is the tire in the ground. If the tire weren’t there, everything else looks like healthy wildlife.

This picture makes me think about the pollution in our environment. The tire is already half buried in the dirt and has sticks accumulating in the center, which leads me to believe that it has been there for a while. I saw it in the ground, and while fully knowing it shouldn’t be there, I still didn’t do anything about it. This made me think about how many people see this item in particular and other pollutants and don’t do anything about them even though they know the pollutants shouldn’t be there. I also wonder how the tire got there and whether it was intentionally left there or not. I think most people would interpret this at first as just someone leaving a tire in the ground and forgetting about it, but after thinking about it more it goes much deeper than that and relates to all the pollution that people forget about or ignore.

When I look at this picture, I feel demoralized. I don’t feel that way just because I was actually there and didn’t dispose of the tire properly, but I feel demoralized because of how often this type of littering/pollution occurs. Throughout the rest of the scavenger hunt I found a lot of trash that needed to be picked up. That trash could be there so long that it becomes buried just like the tire.

I think this picture is a symbol for human interaction with the environment. This shows what happens to pretty areas of nature when mankind gets involved and doesn’t care about the consequences of their actions. Not everyone has to be a hero, we just need everyone to not be a villain when it comes to pollution and littering.

Chase Ghannam – Photo Reflection

Notice: The shiny metallic objects are tin cans
  1. In this picture, I see the location where Lilly Branch flows into the North Oconee River. Of course, there is some water and some tree branches in the foreground marking what is supposed to be a natural setting.
  2. There are two things that are particularly striking: (1) the lack of water (2) trash. This is a river, so I expected more water to be flowing through it. I also noticed that the cans were situated close to each other (more about that next).
  3. As a result, I would interpret that someone or a group of people had disposed of their cans within a similar time frame and that during the following days the water level was low enough to send the trash towards the North Oconee connection, but there was not enough water to flood the dirt deposit and the cans collected there. I also interpret that the small dirt deposit is a result of Lilly Branch carrying eroded dirt along the stream. When the dirt particulates reach the North Oconee, a perpendicular entry point, a certain amount of dirt having greater inertia cannot successfully turn with river’s direction while maintaining enough velocity to evenly distribute. As the particulates slow they are more susceptible to other forces that go against the direction of the stream. That dirt is then attracted to vortexes (sections of water with a net velocity of zero) which allow the dirt to accumulate. Note that this doesn’t happen to all dirt as water is strong enough to carry most of the dirt along with it with minimal depositing. However, as the water level changes throughout the year, the net effect is an overall accumulation of dirt which is seen clearly in the picture below. Problems could arise if this dirt dam grows.
  4. I feel that many of the answers to our problems are out there. It just takes time and detail-oriented observation to find them.
  5. I think this picture is about the problem of pollution, littering, and poor planning. It shows how interconnected decisions are to seemingly random results (the idea of cause/effect). At least we know where we can find litter for clean-up projects: perpendicular connections.
Note: This is the same as the previous picture; however, it is zoomed out to show the scale of the dirt deposit

Ted Otto Watershed Reflection

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. This picture is about the changes that our presence can force in the natural environment, whether or not we are aware of it.

Blog Post Photo Reflection

  1. Start basic: In this picture, I see a metal sculpture along the river bank.
  2. What I notice in this picture: The sharp juxtaposition between the sculpture and its surroundings.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Hailey Maxwell – Watershed Reflection

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 

Toby Fu Watershed Reflection

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. I think this picture is about problems with the erosion of the landscape, with how the branches of water currently flow on campus.

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Liv Francis Watershed Reflection

  1. In this picture, I see a storm drain cover with a no dumping drains to river sign 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 

Stephen Foernsler Watershed Reflection

  1. In this picture, I see a sewer manhole where that leads to where waste is transported.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Piper Krase- Watershed Reflection

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Joshua Baker – Watershed Walk – A Surprising Find

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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…)!
  5. 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.