NativeRegen is a project developed by Mackenzie Mozitis for the Spring 2020 BioDesign course at Rutgers University–Camden as a method of revitalizing the local ecosystem while also reducing the damages caused by industrialization. At first glance, it appears to be a simple and standard bird feeder in an empty lot. As you approach it, a viewer can notice solar panels on the roof of the device and seeds that are only from local indigenous plants. Fitted inside at the bottom of the bird feeder is an Arduino device with a Load Cell, HX711 Weight Sensor Module and a GSM shield which is all powered by the small solar panels on the outside. This system tracks the weight of the bird seed in the device and once the level is considered to be a low weight, it will send an SMS message to notify its observer that it needs to be replenished and possibly relocated to spread more seeds.
This project can be implemented by anyone in an effort to construct a future where the globe has been regenerate to fit it’s previous splendor. There is a high number of plants and animals that are slowly disappearing from their once natural habitat due to human encroachment. The NativeRegen is a method to promote the natural flora and fauna to return and regenerate the delicate ecosystem. Through human industrialization, the natural environment of cities, like Camden, NJ, has begun to face problems associated with radiation and the creation of superfund cites. Through growing natural non-invasive plant species in these contaminated and harmful zones, we can begin to remove the harmful radiation and clean the air through the plants’ natural process of photosynthesis.
Art & Sustainability 