Ever wondered how Bucknell maintains its natural beauty? Chris Martine is the head of the biology department who specializes in botany. Martine works on plant restoration primarily using genetics.
Martine has explored botany research in Australia and northeastern America. He is currently working with seven or eight rare, yet native plants in Pennsylvania. The goal of his research is to increase diversity of plants, yet also reestablish an understory for trees to be healthy.
Over the past few years, Martine and the biology department have been ordering new trees to be planted around the once cleared-out campus. One of the largest projects the department is working on includes restoration around the Bucknell farm. Areas surrounding the farm are being grown from farm fields into more diverse and complex habitats.
By the Gateways, the Grove area on campus is also making a transformation. However, Martine has found invasive species nearby. He asked the university to hire a landscaping crew for proper removal. “Without pretty persistent management,” he said,” invasive species tend to come in and take over.”
Another option Martine has considered to optimize restoration is plant more Oak trees. Martine loves Oak trees because they feed many animals and last hundreds of years. He feels the golf course and West Fields could be an optimal area to plant more.
A couple years ago, Martine started a Youtube channel called “PlantsAreCoolToo” to educate people and translate plant science into informal language. Larger understanding of biology creates appreciation for natural beauty and a healthy Earth. “That’s the goal of restoration projects,” Martine said, “to feel the natural complexities and natural beauty of a location.”
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