Browsing by Author "ShapiroGarza, Elizabeth"

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    Understanding Local Perceptions of Management and Values of Long Distance Trails
    (2015-04-24) Judkins, Julie
    Long distance trails provide immeasurable benefits far beyond a challenging hike. Their corridors and the ecosystems within them give economic, environmental, and social benefits to human and natural communities. Local communities can enjoy economic support and ecosystem services, such as clean water and clean air. Trails may mitigate floods, storms, and drought or provide veterans a chance to ‘walk off the war’ (Small, 2009). Whether it be a rural community utilizing outdoor recreation as an income, or an individual finding peace with life, long distance trails provide something for all of us. Our population will keep growing. Our resources will not. Increased development breeds increased demands for energy, food, and infrastructure, which will continue to threaten the connected greenways that many treasure. Those living in the vicinity of a long distance trail have the most to lose if the protection, land use, or environmental integrity is degraded. Those communities and regional voices also have the most power to advocate for the trails’ protection. It is vital that trailside communities care for, understand, and become partners in the management of these significant trails and to assist in protection and promotion of these national treasures. This research project investigates local perceptions, values, attitudes, and knowledge of selected trailside communities neighboring two national, long distance trails. The paper explores 1) What local trailside communities value about long distance trails, and the negative impacts of those trails on those communities; 2) The communities' knowledge, understanding, and interest in management of the trails; and 3) How the differences in historical context influence the values and attitudes of two national trails in separate countries.
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    Understanding Pathways to Contaminant Exposure in North Carolina’s Community Gardens
    (2017-04-28) Henson, Reilly; Tenorio Fenton, Sofia; Tikalsky, Elissa
    Urban agriculture and community gardens can be a means to increase the wellbeing of vulnerable communities, including reductions in food insecurity, opportunities for outdoor exercise and social interaction and even increases property values (Folstad et al., 2015). Unfortunately, community gardeners may potentially be exposed to contaminants through contact with soil at garden sites or through pesticide usage. There are three major factors that can increase the potential for the presence of contaminants and for subsequent exposure: i) the site's history and surrounding land uses; ii) land management practices in the garden; and iii) community gardeners' behaviors and perceptions (US EPA, 2011a). Additionally, based on previous research in North Carolina by the Duke Superfund Research Center, community gardens at risk of having contaminated soils often overlap with areas with a higher-than-average percentage of low-income and minority populations. There are, however, a number of land use practices that may reduce the potential for exposure to contaminants. In addition, individual behaviors surrounding personal hygiene, food safety, use of protective equipment, and additional precautions may also reduce the potential for exposure (Folstad et al., 2015). Our study applied a mixed methods approach to understand the extent to which community gardeners currently employ the land use management practices and individual behaviors that reduce exposure, as well as the barriers to adoption of these behaviors. Our findings will inform future efforts on the part of the Duke University Superfund Research Center to collaborate with community gardeners to reduce the potential for contaminant exposure.