“This was the largest and most complicated project that I have
undertaken so far. I had to write proposals, secure in-kind donations,
manage a budget as well as a timeline, and oversee volunteer activities. I also
had to write a report, create web content, develop signage and then create
public relations,” she explains.
To complete the project, Carver and her team planted approximately 200
perennials. Most were planted in the fall of 2014, with the rest added last
spring. Each garden serves a specific environmental purpose: the butterfly/
hummingbird and pollinator gardens explain how certain nectar-rich plants
can contribute to the conservation of the species, while the drought-resistant
gardens illustrate landscaping options that don’t require frequent watering.
“I enjoy checking on the gardens every week during the growing season to
see what is blooming, but what gives me the most satisfaction is seeing other
people stop by to enjoy them,” says Carver. “I have watched children learn
about plants. I’ve overheard adults discuss what plants they would like to try
in their gardens after observing ones they were interested in and I have seen
adults taking pictures of particularly eye-catching plants.”
Carver’s latest project involves educating park visitors about the Japanese
practice of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing. The concept, which has been
proven in multiple studies, illustrates the positive health benefits that arise
from spending time in nature. The concept is based on studies that show
that breathing in trees’ volatile essential oils reduces stress, anger, anxiety,
depression and sleeplessness.
“The Japanese discovered that just breathing in the area around trees
makes a significant difference in physical and mental health in three specific
areas,” explains Carver. “Spending time in nature helps elevate mood,
helps combat stress and its related diseases, and boost the immune system,
specifically the cells that help fight cancer. Since Allegheny County is so
forested, this makes our area ideal for forest bathing.”
Carver, who’s written an academic paper about the subject,
is working with Scanlon and the Allegheny County Parks
and Recreation Department to teach forest bathing classes
throughout the county’s parks this summer.
Meg Scanlon,
interpretive naturalist
with the Latodami
Environmental
Education Center at
North Park, welcomes
Girl Scouts and Boy
Scouts who are
interested in pursuing
environmental and
wildlife projects.
For more
information,
contact her at
724.935.2170.
In addition to her work on forest bathing, Carver has also
started working on her first app, which is focused on helping
teenagers manage their “tech time.”
“I read that the average student spends over seven hours a day on
tech devices. My app helps students think about their entire 24-hour day
by asking them to enter the time they need to spend on each required activity,
and seeing how much time is left for tech devices,” she says. “Tracking tools
will allow the students to see if they are making progress toward managing
their tech time.”
In addition to her work with the park, Carver is involved with her school