Earth Day Story Tips

In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Earth Day, we are providing this Earth Day release packet to highlight research and programs at Ohio State that center on environmental and conservation issues.

This and every University Relations news release is available at www.osu.edu

Explore a wetland on Earth Day -- One of Ohio State's hidden treasures may be a small tract of land just northeast of the Columbus campus -- the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park. Here research is being conducted that reveals how swamps, marshes and bogs act as the "Earth's kidneys" by purifying the water that flows through them. Groups and individuals are invited to tour the wetlands park on Earth Day (4/22) and explore this hardworking fish and wildlife habitat.

CONTACT: Kyle Sharp, (614) 292-3799, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Don't disrespect the soil that feeds you and everyone else! -- Many just call it dirt, but soil is vital in meeting future food demands. A professor of soil science in Ohio State's School of Natural Resources is championing the protection of soil quality in order to meet the growing demands for agricultural productivity. He is working with colleagues around the world to assess the potential for agricultural practices that would improve soil quality and, at the same time, reduce emissions of carbon dioxide into the air.

CONTACT: Kyle Sharp, (614) 292-3799, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Environmental concerns spawn a new breed of lawyers -- Before the first Earth Day celebration 30 years ago, there wasn't much talk of environmental and conservation law in the United States. But since then, the number of lawyers practicing in these areas has increased dramatically to meet the needs of today's environmentally conscious legal system.

CONTACT: Liz Cutler Gates, College of Law, (614) 292-0283.

Algae could be the solution to heavy metal cleanup -- Research at Ohio State offers the promise of safer, more effective and relatively inexpensive cleanup of heavy metals threatening the environment. An Ohio State researcher is working with an algae that acts like a sponge to soak up and bind to heavy metals allowing the contaminants to be recycled, smelted or deposited in a safe-site waste dump.

CONTACT: Sandi Rutkowski, College of Biological Sciences, (614) 292-4759.

There's no house on this little prairie -- Far removed from the hustle and bustle of today's busy world, a tallgrass prairie is thriving in the heart of Marion County. Here an Ohio State ecologist is applying the tools of restoration ecology to support the 25-acre prairie next to the OSU-Marion campus. The prairie is not a flower garden, but a dynamic ecosystem where nature is free to follow her own course. The nearly 200 species of native grass and wildflowers are helping biologists study how best to convert land no longer needed for agriculture back to its presettlement condition.

CONTACT: Peter S. Curtis, College of Biological Sciences, (614) 292-0835.

Building a "greener" sport utility vehicle -- Ohio State is one of 15 top North American universities competiting in a tough engineering challenge to try to enhance the "greenness" of a Chevrolet Suburban by converting it from gasoline power to an alternative propulsion system. All 15 vehicles will head to General Motors' Desert Proving Ground, June 8-15, in Mesa, Ariz., for a week of competitive events. The vehicles will be evaluated for safety, greenhouse gas impact, acceleration, handling, exhaust emissions, braking, fuel economy, consumer acceptability, trailer-towing capacity, off-road performance and other criteria. The competition is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors Corp.

CONTACT: Gina Langen, College of Engineering, (614) 688-4423.

Making coal burn cleaner -- Ohio State and the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Coal Development Office (OCDO) have joined forces to fund and produce the commercial demonstration of a patented process for cleaning the flue gas created by burning coal, Ohio's No. 1 energy resource. The system could result in more than $100 million in savings in Ohio alone.

CONTACT: Gina Langen, College of Engineering, (614) 688-4423.

The person listed as the contact for each item will have the best information about the story. Call on our media relations staff for assistance with these or other Ohio State news stories--Elizabeth Conlisk, 292-3040; Amy Murray, 292-8385; Lesley Deaderick, 292-0569; Melinda Sadar, 292-8298; and Karissa L. Shivley, 292-8295.

Compiled by Karissa L. Shivley, University Relations, (shivley.2@osu.edu)