On February 22nd, 2025, Baylor students and staff participated in the installation of the first Litter Boom on campus. This floating structure is designed to block the flow of floating debris, such as plastic bottles and cans. This simple yet effective device helps capture trash that washes into Stringers Branch from nearby roads before it reaches the Tennessee River. Dr. Ben Holt, a sustainability teacher and research chair at Baylor, will oversee the maintenance of the boom. Students will conduct surveys of the litter at each clean-out, utilizing the federal Escaped Trash Assessment Protocol (ETAP). This research will aid in identifying techniques for litter prevention and measuring the effects of microplastics, which result from plastics left in our waterways. We eagerly anticipate their impactful work!
After the installation of the first Baylor litter boom, Baylor marine biology and sustainability students collaborated with WaterWays to apply natural streambank repair techniques on Stringer Branch. The students focused on installing livestakes along the eroded streambank, as well as coir logs and matting. They also worked to eliminate invasive plant species along the streambank, including winter creeper, honeysuckle, and privet. Invasive plants struggle to effectively manage runoff and stabilize the streambank due to their shallow root systems. The installed livestakes consist of cuttings from native shrub and tree species. Native plants have long, robust root systems that will ultimately reinforce the streambank and help prevent further erosion.
