Abstract Since 1999, plant blindness, now known as plant awareness disparity (PAD), has gained great awareness. However, no study to date has explored the impact of multiple demographic factors, including those of an indigenous population, in understanding plant knowledge. Specifically, this study assessed how race, gender, rurality, and college type of general biology students influenced their self‐perceived plant knowledge and where that knowledge was learned. A total of 702 students across six different college…

Societal Impact Statement Our culture, life experiences, and the places we live teach us about the world around us and the plants within it. This information gives each individual distinct mental models. By delving into plant mental models of young adults, this study offers insights into the complex landscape of plant knowledge, with a special emphasis on Indigenous communities. Beyond broadening our understanding, these findings provide valuable resources for educators and researchers striving to bridge the gap i…

Abstract This study sought to establish the degree of phosphorus saturation in sediment within a shallow reservoir that has a history of being hypereutrophic with documented harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Five sites were chosen within the Des Lacs Reservoir System for sediment sampling. At each site a transect with five sampling points had sediment sampled at the 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depth from the sediment–water interface line. The degree of phosphorus saturation was determined by measuring the amount of solution …

Abstract Plant blindness, the inability of people to notice plants, is of current interest in the natural sciences community. It has been hypothesized that communities of varying cultures may have improved plant sight. Researchers used an online survey to assess citizens ability to identify plants. The survey also intended to address the concern of elders from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) who have seen reduced abundance of traditional plant species. The survey assessed knowledge of local we…

Abstract The ability to monitor stormwater quality while in detention basins would be useful for stormwater managers. A simple passive method of monitoring vertical elevations of pooled stormwater in detention basins was developed. The simple method used plastic buckets with holes drilled into them to collect water as stormwater filled the basin from first flush to peak. The method was installed at three different detention basins and stormwater was collected using the simple passive system at different vertical p…