Inside Furman is published quarterly by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
Furman lake gets a shaggy new look
On the surface, the Furman Lake appears pure. Its manicured shoreline and majestic Bell Tower are a photographer's delight.
But looks can be deceiving. Fowl droppings litter the paved walkways. The bacteria level in the lake's water can reach 30 to 50 times the recommended limits for recreational waters set by the Environmental Protection Agency. High toxin levels in the water may also be killing ducklings. On damp, still evenings, residents of Lakeside Housing often complain of a foul lake odor.
Faculty and staff who worked or attended school at Furman during the early days of the new campus remember the lake as a popular swimming hole for the university community. Furman even maintained a sandy beach are near the gazebo. Anglers, too, once delighted in hooking some of the large carp, bass, and bluegill.
However, as the bacteria level and the water fowl population began to rise, the university banned swimming in the late 1970s. Later, fishing was disallowed.
This fall, in conjunction with the “Year of the Environment,” Furman is taking steps to help clean up the lake.
In an effort to reduce levels of bacteria and algae in the lake, the campus grounds staff is allowing vegetation to flourish in areas along the lake's perimeter. Indigenous plant growth along the lakeshore and in shallows serves as a natural filter for water run-off and helps absorb surplus nutrients that would otherwise feed bacterial and algae growth. Vegetation along the stream banks feeding the lake is also being allowed to grow.
In addition, the university is planning to post signs to strongly discourage visitors from feeding the waterfowl. As many as 400 waterfowl can populate the lake at one time, producing 100 pounds of excrement a day.
“By reducing feeding and creating a border of vegetation that will reduce lake access, we hope to encourage some waterfowl to move off the lake with the fall migration,” says Wade Worthen, a biology professor who proposed the clean-up this summer.
The university and the Department of Natural Resources may also have to relocate some lake waterfowl, he says.
“I know this seems drastic, but they are having a devastating impact on the lake,” says Worthen.
Allowing vegetation to grow, discouraging feeding and eliminating waterfowl will be a small task compared to educating the community. For generations, families have made a tradition of visiting the lake to “feed the ducks.”
“I think our university understands the need to clean up the lake,” says Greg Carroll, vice president for marketing and communications. “We will, however, have to work hard to educate the public and help them to understand why we are doing this.”
Worthen says volunteers and members of the Environmental Action Committee may personally distribute brochures and discourage visitors from feeding the animals.
Even with these changes, Worthen says it will take years for nature to return the lake bacteria levels to a level that is safe for swimming.
“It will take time,” says Worthen. “But these are measures we have to take. The lake cannot continue as it is because it will only get worse.”
The lake clean-up is a centerpiece of Furman's “Year of the Environment” efforts. In addition to the lake cleanup, the university will be promoting environmental stewardship throughout the next seven months through a variety lectures and programs.
“For many, the lake is symbolic of Furman,” says Worthen. “This is a great way for Furman to display our commitment to the environment and help educate the community about environmental sustainability.”
Toward a better campus environment
By David Shi
The university community should embrace Furman's energy-use policy because it is the right thing to do.