Below are four examples of work completed by Keene State Geography students in the fall of 2009:

Space Invaders: Japanese Knotweed and the Restoration of Beaver Brook in Keene,
New Hampshire
In 2004, the City of Keene, New Hampshire, initiated a river restoration plan on one of its local waterways, Beaver Brook. Beginning at the Three Mile Reservoir in Gilsum, New Hampshire, the brook meanders its way through Keene before emptying into the Ashuelot River. The goals of the City of Keene are to: improve water quality of the brook; improve and restore aquatic riparian habitat; and provide public education and encourage public stewardship of the brook. This study locates linkages between residents of the City of Keene and the restoration of Beaver Brook, while providing education to the public regarding river restoration and awareness of the invasive species Japanese Knotweed…

We Built this City on Walk and Roll: Steps Towards a Transportation Transition in Keene, New Hampshire
One of the most important aspects of an urban setting is its effect on the overall health of a community. Due to a habitual use of the automobile for transportation necessities, the American culture seems to have forgotten basic and healthy forms of alternative transit. Walking and cycling are simple, cheap, and relatively ‘green’, as well as widely applicable. A change in transportation culture would require the pedestrian and biking infrastructure of a city to prove complete and capable.
This report examines the history, current state, and future plans, for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure development within the City of Keene, New Hampshire…

Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Preserve: An Analysis of a Proposed Historic District in Keene, New Hampshire
This study analyzes community support for, and feasibility of the establishment of a proposed historic district in Keene, New Hampshire. A New England town with impressive colonial history, Keene contains a historic district to preserve its vibrant downtown. Preservation efforts continue with emphasis on South Main Street, the area first settled in Keene, which is now considered as a site worthy of protection by means of a historic district. This study investigates the opinions of members of the Historic District Commission, Heritage Commission, and Keene Planning Board, as well as the public as to analyze relative levels of support for a South Main Street historic district…

South of the Oval: A Comprehensive Corridor Study and Plan for South Street/RTE 13 South in Milford, New Hampshire
This transportation corridor analyzes a wide array of current land use and infrastructure issues along the South Street/RTE 13 South corridor commencing from downtown Milford to the Brookline town line. The intent of this examination is to validate the relatively high development potential of the corridor affirmed by the Town of Milford Planning Board and Community Development Department. This study incorporates use of GIS mapping, statistical tests in SPSS, relevant research, and structural and expert oriented surveys…