woodhouse’s scrub-jay | Josh Ellenborg
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Dear Reader,
Ginkgo Magazine proudly serves as an exhibit for the talented academic and creative work of undergraduates from Susquehanna University, and we are excited to present you with our 2026 edition.
This year, the theme of water presented itself throughout our pieces. All water is connected, just like the works displayed in our magazine that feature contributors from across the globe. While water is always changing, the concerns surrounding the environmental scene are constant. Ginkgo Magazine decided to use our publication as a platform to discuss the current topics affecting our environment today.
Our university strives to increase sustainability every year and in this edition, our mission is to weave the goals of our magazine with the environment around us. We wanted our pieces to highlight the complex hydrology of the Susquehanna River Basin, which is explored in “The Sleeping Beast”, describing the river that our university’s name is derived from. “A Small Sanctuary” takes place in the heart of our campus, reminding us to reconnect with the world around us even amidst the chaos. Within the overarching environmental mission, systemic problems are prevalent and continue to produce challenges. “Mother Nature” promotes ecofeminism and examines the harmful framework through which we have historically viewed both women and the environment. In addition to the creative works that explore these themes, our academic works–“The Definition of Wetlands” and “Regulatory Differences in the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act”–both discuss some legal challenges of environmental protection.
We hope you enjoy our 2026 spring edition, and encourage you to consider these frameworks to gain a better understanding of the natural world. We would like to recognize the contributions of Lexie Kauffman and Jennifer Martin, our Co-Managing Editors for the fall 2025 semester. This edition would not be possible without their efforts and dedication. We would also like to thank each of our supporters from our contributors to our executive team, reading board members, and all of you reading now.
Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Madeline Davis, Avery Farrell, Trinity Trimmer, and Emma Dickinson
Ginkgo Magazine Managing Editors and Environmental Consultant