Jackson Springs Lab!

For this lab we traveled a ways down the road to Jackson Springs Park behind the Baconsfield shopping center. Considering our study of geology, we looked at some of the different rocks that are found in the park. A few of these include quartz, granite, and feldspar. Below are some example pictures of the rocks.

This looks just like our countertops at home!

I remember finding quartz as a kid and thinking I had found some sort of treasure!

Macon Dog Park!! (Almost.)

For our last lab we experienced some unfortunate weather that thwarted our trip to the Macon Dog Park. Although I was not exactly chomping at the bit to examine fecal matter cultures from the creek, I was rather excited to see the dog park. In my mind, dog parks only seem to exist in movies, when the beautiful and conveniently single girl takes her dog to the park only to magically stumble upon Mr. Tall Dark Handsome and Perfect when his dog's leash gets tangled in hers. Now that I know there is a dog park only a block away, all I need is a dog to make this fantasy a reality right here in Macon! Right?
  All the health risks aside, the idea of a dog park seems like it would be great for the community. If there was one at home, I would definitely utilize it! (That is if my 80 pound black lab did not try to rip my arm out of socket at any given opportunity for freedom!) Here is a picture of my dog Dallas. He is a black Labrador Retriever and he will be 5 years old this year. His favorite things to do are eat our shoes and chase squirrels. He is constantly causing mischief, but we love him anyway!

Indian Mounds!

I find it so interesting that right here in Macon we have something as historically significant as Indian mounds! On our field trip we were able to listen to a detailed timeline of how Macon developed the way it did. My favorite part was exploring the inside of the ancient Indian meeting place where they conducted council meetings and possibly religious gatherings. The inside was completely reconstructed to resemble what it would have looked like hundreds of years ago. Seating inside the mound is clearly defined, and there is an elevated surface in the middle that is obviously for three people in superior positions! I also really enjoyed making the trek to the top of the mound that overlooks almost all of Macon! The view was spectacular!

Here are a couple pictures.

The 12 Soil Orders!

There are twelve different soil types that can be found on Earth. Below is a link that gives a description and picture of all twelve types.
http://soils.cals.uidaho.edu/soilorders/orders.htm

The type that I am going to specifically focus on is the order predominantly found here in Georgia. This order is ultisols. Ultisols are more commonly known as red clay soils. They are found in temperate and tropical regions. Besides Georgia, Ultisols can be found on other continents such as Asia, Africa, and South America. The red clay we see in Georgia that gets tracked into our houses and stains our carpet is that color because of iron oxide (or rust). Ultisols are also typically acidic. They can be easily exhausted, and therefore need the aid of fertilizers for successful cultivation. Fortunately, ultisols can be successful in a large range of moisture conditions.
For more interesting information on ultisols, you can check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultisols

Community Gardens.

I love the idea of community gardens. Gardening has always been a hobby that I wish I could learn, but I have never had the opportunity. The knowledge of plants and vegetables and their growth processes is an incredibly valuable skill. Not only does a community garden help those in need economically, but I believe a community garden would also help them mentally. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from eating something that you grew yourself! We learned there is a community garden right here in Macon at the Macon Outreach on Mulberry that is having a positive influence on our local community. Below is a picture of the community garden found in downtown Macon.

Mercer has beautiful shrubs, plants, and trees!

As we strolled around campus with Dr. Rood, he pointed out dozens of plants, trees, and shrubs that we can find right here on Mercer's campus! Below are just a few of the many Mercer has to offer.

The Aloe plant can help soothe burns!

This is a Birch

Bradford Pears give off a terrible odor in the spring!

Camellia

Chrysanthemum

Crepe Myrtle

Hawthorn

Holly

Hydrangea

Juniper

Loropetalum

Magnolia Grand Deflora

Mexican Petunia

Monkey Grass

Verbena

Ocmulgee River Lab Data!