“Samford University decides to replace pine straw around campus with pollen” was the title of one of the Samford Beez’s latest Instagram posts. So, why is there seemingly more pollen this year on Samford’s campus opposed to years past?
According to WTVM 13, April is considered the peak of pollen season in Alabama. Pollen comes mainly from Birch, Cedar, Juniper, Cottonwood, Elm, Maple, Pine and especially from Ash, Mulberry, Oak, Pecan and Sycamore trees in April.
Walking around campus, several of those trees can be spotted, but there is a prominence of oak trees at Samford, with the famous Sherman Oak being the most special.
The weather channel emphasizes the production of pollen created in grass. So, while laying out on the quad soaking up the sun might seem nice, chances are you are laying in pollen.
Ellie Smith, a senior at Samford has never had issues with pollen before this year, “I tend to laugh in the face of bacteria and pollination. Well, not this year. The pollen convinced me I had the flu yesterday. I am disruptively sneezing during tests. My throat and nostrils are coated with this flower powder.”
The south has been known to struggle with pollen and allergies more than other areas because of the intense temperatures during the summer.
“The pollen has upset me a lot because I can’t sit outside for more than ten minutes without getting a film of pollen on me, my water bottle or computer,” said Ada Griggs, a freshman.
Not only is every student’s nose, eyes and throat struggling because of the pollen on campus, but so is the Ben Brown fountain.
To the student’s surprise, the fountain was seen drained and empty while the filter was being cleaned from the excessive pollen that had made its home in the water that circulates through the fountain.
With the drained fountain, The Samford Beez took little time to come up with a compelling grab: “Samford drains Ben Brown fountain to put in custom skate park.”
The fountain was filled back to its normal water level Friday, April 11th, after being emptied almost a full week.
Samford has taken a hit this year with the excessive pollen that has covered campus. Students and even the mighty Ben Brown fountain have been affected by the intense pollen count.
Staff Writer
