Rain gardens serve as natural filters for rain water and have been around for quite some time, but Charlene LeBleu, assistant professor in the department of landscape architecture in the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction, and two other Auburn researchers are among the first to research their particular functions. Rain gardens do improve water quality and can be constructed in most areas, even urban areas. In 2006, the researchers constructed the rain gardens located in Auburn University’s Donald E. Davis Arboretum and have received additional funding to continue their research that looks at the structure of rain gardens and what exactly the plants are retaining from the rain water.

Five years ago, AU wildlife ecologist Steve Ditchkoff unveiled innovative plans to establish in rural Tallapoosa County a 430-acre outdoor laboratory dedicated to the most exhaustive study ever of North America’s most abundant big-game animal: the white-tailed deer.

It’s too early to say for sure, but an AAES-funded study at AU could lead to a debunking of the “freshman 15” phenomenon—that widely accepted generalization that college freshmen gain 15 pounds their first year at school.

• IBC Submissions
• IRB requires CITI training
• IACUC annual reports
• Training requirements for all personnel involved in animal activities

• Technology Transfer announces Tech Notice e-mail list
• Alabama Launchpad Business Plan Competition Phase I submissions due September 26