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[kamjournals]

Post Conceptions

Throughout this course, I have learned so many things, from the waste we create in our everyday lives, to what it takes to be a good, active member of society. This course has been nothing short of a transformative journey, blending a wonderful mix of history, environmental science, and community building into one cohesive narrative that has ended up deeply resonating with my values and aspirations. Throughout this course, my understanding of the world around me has evolved from fragmented history and culture into a rich and interconnected web, where sustainability and inclusiveness play such vital roles in shaping our past, present, and future. The integration of class readings like Chief Seattle’s Letter and the Earth Charter, field trips to places like E.C.H.O. Global Farms and the Waste to Energy Facility and our swamp walk, and even my service-learning project with the American Heart Association have all been profoundly instrumental in terms of fostering my deeper connection to Fort Myers, FGCU, and the nature around me, all while challenging me to think critically about the broader impacts for equitable and sustainable communities.

I learned so much about the city of Fort Myers that I have called home for the past two years, including the history and cultural evolution that have been central factors in my learning experiences. This was a cornerstone for my learning because this place is such an integration of environmental challenges and human influence, like any other city, and serves as a very interesting study for exploring the balance between development and ecological responsibility. Through our class readings and field trips, I came to understand the delicate relationship between urban expansion and the preservation of natural habitats, gaining a much deeper appreciation for environmental systems that support community resilience. Sustainability emerged as a guiding principle time and time again within this course, which only further emphasized the importance of minimizing our ecological footprints while simultaneously fostering a sense of inclusivity within urban design and decision-making.

A significant aspect that almost crept its way into our discussions and my deeper understanding of concepts was the idea that social justice is inseparable from sustainability. This intersection of environmental issues and social inequalities highlights the need for solutions of environmental empowerment and greater aid for underserved communities. Our field trips and my service-learning project gave me very tangible insights into popular efforts aimed at addressing environmental disparities, whether it be through advocating for equitable access to green spaces or supporting initiatives to combat environmental intolerance. These experiences have truly reinforced the idea that sustainability is not just about preserving resources for our future generations, but it’s also about making sure justice and equity are included in the distribution of resources.

Another big part of this course for me was learning about actionable ways to behave more sustainably in our daily lives. Whether it’s adopting practices like reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local initiatives, or making intentional lifestyle choices that will prioritize environmental and social well-being, I have quite honestly gained very valuable knowledge that gives me the motivation to do better and align my actions with my values. Many of our class readings and discussions hugely emphasized the ripple effect of individual and collective efforts, and the fact that no matter how small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful impacts in our communities. This course has taught me many great lessons that have inspired me to advocate for sustainability in my own personal life and beyond, to just embrace the responsibility we all share in shaping the healthier planet we all wish for.

The all-embracing nature of this course has been incredibly influential in broadening my perspective. My appreciation for public art and alternative histories is offered through a unique lens in which we have examined Fort Myers’ identity as a city, connecting humane creative expression with sustainability and social justice. The integrative approach revealed the profound ideas that history, environmental care, and community building bring to shape physical green spaces and foster intangible values that will help the way we see the world, like belonging, empathy, and resilience. As I reflect on this journey, I find myself sad to see it end. But I also find myself equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. This colloquium course has deepened my understanding of how interdisciplinary learning can drive informed and equitable solutions to pressing matters. The connection I have made between history, sustainability, and social challenges has reinforced my commitment to creating communities that honor the past, embrace inclusivity, and prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet. This course has overall empowered me to approach the future with curiosity, thoughtfulness, and action as I carry forward its lessons into meaningful endeavors that bridge disciplines and inspire positive change.

[kamjournals]

Downtown Fort Myers

Our field trip to downtown Fort Myers was fun, educational, and a great last field trip for this course. I learned a lot about the city I’ve called home for the past two years, more than I anticipated. For our first stop, we started in Centennial Park. This park is a great green space in downtown Fort Myers and was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city. I learned that the park's development was funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and was developed to promote social sustainability within communities. I learned that people suffering from homelessness used to call Centennial Park their home, and since the city didn’t want them there, they built a fence around the park and forced them to leave. I learned about how the town depends on the revenue it makes from restaurants, shops, and hotels to sustain the area. We discussed the importance of green spaces in livable cities and how downtown Fort Myers has redesigned their landscape to incorporate more and make it more accessible to their residents.

At our second stop, we came to the Detention Basin. I learned that the body of water connected to the end of the basin is the Caloosahatchee, which I also learned translates into “Caloosa River.” I learned that because the Caloosahatchee is so close to the Gulf of Mexico, it gets impacted by tides. This tidal portion has been determined as impaired water by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This means that the water affected by the tides of the Gulf is contaminated by substances in the water that pose potential human or environmental risks. I learned that from this river specifically that substance happens to be nitrogen. This portion of the field trip was pretty interesting because I learned that the excess nitrogen comes from agricultural practices, fertilizers used on yards, golf courses, even septic tanks, and runoff. Runoff from agriculture can and advancement along the Kissimmee River ends up in Lake Okeechobee. And when the water there gets too high, the Army Corps of Engineers releases the water down into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River to help alleviate risks and protect the people living near it. Unfortunately, these releases do contain pollutants like nitrogen that have been linked to the red tide and problematic algae blooms along our beaches.

On our third stop, we came to the Yacht Basin. This basin was initially another WPA’s responsibility that started when the property was taken by the city from private owners after years of unpaid taxes. It was interesting because back in the 1930s, getting from Washington D.C. to Fort Myers was a lot harder than just jumping on I-95 or catching a plane. And so, the neighborhood felt it was worth the effort investing in this yacht basin because, economically speaking, the status of people docking their yachts in the basin would typically be people who have money to spend on a hotel, meals, entertainment, shopping, etc. Attracting individuals with the financial means is good economics for businesses in Fort Myers, and so local officials made the trip to D.C. and successfully diverted funds back towards Fort Myers. The boating and fishing industries remain important drivers of the economy in Southwest Florida. And I learned that they work diligently to maintain the water quality in the Caloosahatchee and Gulf of Mexico for our economy as well as the people who depend on it.

At stop four, we came to City of Palms Park. I learned that Fort Myers is nicknames the city of Palms because there are two Palm Parks within the city, one where we were standing and another on MLK Blvd. Both parks have palm trees from all over the world planted here. The one we were at was the older of the two, established in 1955, and is constantly maintained by the Fort Myers Garden clubs. I also learned that these palm trees are donations from private individuals. Here, we talked a little more about green spaces, and what an important component of livable cities it is in terms of connecting the natural world with our urban environment. We can only spend so much time indoors, away from the natural world, before we get the itch to go outside and see the sunlight, and the individuals living in these high-rise buildings in the city along the river can benefit from a recreational green space where they are free to engage in the environment. I learned how creating public spaces like Palm Park and Centennial Park are so important for strengthening communities, focusing on the unique culture of a region and creating a safe, common area where neighbors can come together and build connections and social relationships.

At stop number five, we stopped at the corner of Bay and Lee Street. I learned that this corner got its name because it was on the waterfront, but everything from here to the river has since been filled in and built on. I learned that Fort Myers was originally a cow town, which is why things like citrus, vegetables, cattle and fish were being shipped from packinghouses and shipping facilities on the river. I learned that downtown Fort Myers was founded in the 1800s and was a hub of local life before urban sprawl became an issue, as it did in other areas of the country. The city was a center of shopping and entertainment, and attracted people from outlying areas, and they moved into town from cattle ranches and farms. They supported local businesses and lived in apartments over the shops and restaurants. Since then, the regions growing population began decreasing in the city when spendable income increased after WWII. I learned that Edison Mall opened in 1965, and as a result it took shopping, entertainment, and dining funds with it, leading local businesses to struggle for the next several decades. The city worked tirelessly to try and attract their business back by capturing the character of old Fort Myers with brick streets and colorful signage, planted trees for shade and green spaces, and festivals and activities like the Art Walk and Music Walk on weekends. I also learned that while downtown Fort Myers focuses a lot on entertainment and shopping, they also house many law offices of the City of Fort Myers and Lee County Government.

At the sixth stop, we came to the Fort Myers Regional Library. I learned that this library is a LEED Certified building, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This certification gives external verification by the U.S. Green Building Council that this building is designed and built to save energy, increase water efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality, and demonstrate stewardship of resources. I learned that most of the population here lives outside of the downtown area, and so there are multiple branches of the library scattered across the county. This is because when it comes to the planning of an urban landscape you must consider transportation, and the fact that most people would end up driving because of the way we live today. I also learned that this is actually a very important component of a green building because although a green building is a good thing, users and residents driving long distances to get here, burning fossil fuels and releasing carbon emissions, kind of negates the significant benefits provided by the green building. I also learned that the planning of urban design incorporates the concept of complete streets. Aside from public transportation options like buses, complete streets also include sidewalks and bike lanes, offering alternative forms of transportation. I learned that the best practices of complete streets include wide sidewalks, and some sort of physical barrier that separates pedestrians and cyclists from cars and traffic. Here, we discussed the fact that sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about taking care of people too. We talked about how the library itself provides access to computers, the internet, and all sorts of educational books and materials for people of lower socio-economic statuses, who may not have these things at home. I also learned that public libraries like this one provide shelters for homeless people to cool off during the summer, and access to a restroom.

Stop seven was at the Sydney and Berne Davis Art Center. I learned that this is a repurposed building. I learned that in the 1930s this building as used as a U.S. Federal building and outdoor post office that was funded by the WPA, which is why the building has golden box units built into the wall, which are post office boxes. I learned that the WPA was part of Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal, which I learned was a series of programs and projects that attempted to create jobs and get people working back during the Great Depression. This building operated as a post office up until the facility on Monroe Street (by the convention center) opened in the 1960s. Today, the building is used to host art exhibits, concerts, weddings, galas, lectures, etc. I also learned that the columns aligned outside the front of the building are constructed out of Florida Key’s limestone. I learned that the Keys are the remnants of coral reefs and sandbars from a time when sea levels were much higher. When the se levels dropped, the exposed reefs became fossilized and created the limestone we see today. I also learned that we saw it in front of the building but not the back because it was quite expensive. The Art Center also had two cylindrical columns on the sidewalk called the Caloosahatchee Manuscripts. I learned that one piece has the scientific names of plants that grew in Edison’s Gardens, and the other tells the story of the discovery of the Caloosahatchee in the Seminole language, which honors both Native American peoples. There are lights in the center of each cylinder which turn on at night, and the words get projected onto the sidewalk and buildings around them.

At the eighth stop, we came to the Arcade Theater & McCrory Building. I learned that the definition of an arcade building, in this care, signifies a covered walkway with stores along both sides. When this arcade opened in 1915, it housed shops and provided access to open, fresh air between First Street and Bay Street. I learned that the theater is nationally known and produces high quality live theater productions. At this stop, I learned about human-scale buildings, which is another component of good urban design practices. The store fronts have large windows and clear entrances, which invite people in. I learned that this design contrasts with large monolithic buildings that are not warm and welcoming to passersby. I also learned that this facilitates a “live, work, play” approach to urban environments.  

On stop number nine, we looked at the Alternative History Mural. I learned that in the 1990s when the city started redevelopment efforts, public art was included in that and the Alternative History Mural was installed in 1999 to demonstrate some of Fort Myer’s early history, a moment in time where this city was denoted by conflict and struggle. The historical art piece depicts Chief Billy Bowlegs, a contingent of the 2nd Regiment if the United States colored troops, a section of stockade of the old fort, a cattle rancher leaning against one of his steers, and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad locomotive. At this stop, we discussed the fort on the river, which I learned was built in 1850 to support soldiers who were rounding up the few Seminoles remaining in southwest Florida. I learned that this became one of the finest in the country and included things like barracks, offices, and blacksmith and carpenter’s shops, as well as a hospital, a bathing pier, and a bowling alley. I learned that the fort was abandoned in June of 1858 after Billy Bowlegs and his tribe surrendered. We also discussed the 2nd Regiment of the United States colored troops. I learned that the African American soldiers depicted in the mural are dedicated to over 180,000 African Americans who fought on the Union’s side in the Civil War. I also learned that the 2nd Regiment was important in defending Fort Myers during a Confederate attack in 1865. We also went over the concept of cattle ranchers. The city of Fort Myers prospered as a cow town and was the only accessible trading center for the area’s rapidly growing cattle industry. I learned that rather than living on prairies, many Cattlemen mover their families to Fort Myers. We also discussed the railroad. We discussed how the fact that Fort Myers grew as a cattle town, it’s development was limited by its lack of rail services. I learned that the first train bridge crossed the Caloosahatchee in 1904. I also learned that the Atlantic Coast Railroad finally brought railway services across the river after two hard freezes that devastated the citrus crops further north, once in 1894, and the other in 1895. I learned that after the freezing, the growers in the north came to buy whatever groves were available, and whatever land was available to plant these new groves. The citrus industry along Caloosahatchee soon after became extremely profitable and brought people and the railroad to carry them.

For our final stop, we stopped at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. Here, I learned about the history of the foundational plans of downtown Fort Myers, and how cities like this one were designed to be walkable and were originally constructed around the primary means of transportation back in those times. I learned how this city uses the concept of mixed-use buildings, where restaurants and shops are on the ground floor, and there are offices above them. This was to account for the majority of transportation being public since individual car ownership wasn’t around until the 1950s & 60s. I also learned some history at this stop, being that urban sprawl became the new development norm after WWII, which is characterized by single-use zoning areas like suburban neighborhoods and a dependency on self-owned cars. We also discussed some of the consequences that have come about since switching over to urban sprawl, which include the loss of agricultural land, habitat fragmentation and destruction, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, obesity, social inequality, and more.

Throughout the field trip, I learned a lot about the history of downtown Fort Myers. Downtown Fort Myers, also known as the river district, has a history that dates all the way back to the 1800s. Originally, this region was the site of military fort building along the Caloosahatchee during the Seminole Wars. In the late 1800s, Fort Myer became a hub for cattle ranching, with herds being driven through the area towards Punta Rassa for shipment to Cuba. The town’s growth began with establishments of general stores, schools, and private homes. By the late 19th century, Fort Myers gained immense prominence, attracting notable individuals like Thomas Edison, who had his winter home there. As we progressed into the 20th century, downtown Fort Myers evolved into a vibrant center for culture and tourism, boasting a mix of historical charm and modern luxuries, with brick-lined streets, historic buildings and lively art and entertainment scenes. Downtown Fort Myers today remains a testament to the city’s enduring legacy and its ability to adapt and thrive in the economy over the years.

The city’s government has taken several steps towards addressing environmental issues in the downtown area, including improving water quality, enhancing green spaces, promoting walkability, and utilizing sustainable development. City initiatives have been implemented to enhance the Caloosahatchee’s water quality and surrounding reas, ensuring better environmental health. The city has focused on creating and maintaining parks and other green spaces that provide recreational, collaborative areas while also preserving natural services. This city has also made efforts to improve the walkways and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, which encourages sustainable transportation and reducing vehicle emissions. Downtown Fort Myers has incorporated many energy-effective practices and sustainable designs in building projects that will minimize environmental impact. In Fort Myers, conflicts typically arise between environmental, historical, and economic priorities when it comes to making decisions about city functions. Efforts to preserve natural resources, like water quality and green spaces, can sometimes clash with the promotion of urban expansion and infrastructure projects that are aimed at boosting the local economy. Protecting historic landmarks and maintaining the city’s cultural heritage can perhaps limit some new opportunities for new developments or renovations that might be more economically viable. When making these kinds of decisions, they often require compromise, like integrating sustainable practices into development projects, or finding alternative ways to modernize the city, while respecting the historical significance.

After learning that biophobia is the fear of nature, I think that addressing biophobia involves creating environments that will make nature feel more approachable and safer. For example, to do this we can have well-lit parks with clear pathways, carefully managed wildlife areas, and educational programs that can reduce fear and encourage interaction with nature. In terms of biophilia, the love of nature, cities can design urban spaces that integrate mature, like green roofs, urban forests, and community gardens that can foster residents’ innate connection to the natural environment. Biophilic design principles like natural lighting, indoor plants, and water features can also be incorporated into buildings. Topophilia is the love of a place. And to build a sense of belonging and affection for the city, efforts can be focused more on preserving historical sites, promoting local art and culture, and designing walkable neighborhoods with accessible public spaces. Creating landmarks and areas tied to the city’s identity can help reinforce emotional connections and a sense of place for residents within the city. Learning about Fort Myers ties directly to the interdisciplinary goals of our Colloquium course because it highlights connections between environmental science, history, and economics, like learning to balance urban development with sustainability and preserving historical landmarks. Learning about concepts like biophobia, biophilia, and topophilia emphasizes the relationship between humans and nature and its importance in city planning. Fort Myers serves as an efficient example of how complex forces – environmental, historical and economic – shape communities, which echoes the course objective of our class, understanding and improving interactions between humans and their surroundings. It creates a real-world lens that connects the bridge between the city’s history and for applying our class discussions to the real world.

[kamjournals]

Pachamama Alliance - Awakening the Dreamer

Beginning with stage 1, ‘Where are we?’, this initial stage begins by exploring the current state of the world and its impact on the environment, relationships, and our sense of purpose through numerical statistics and diagrams to illustrate them. This stage asks us to observe and feel the environmental, social, even spiritual landscapes we have inhabited, and the intrinsic value of nature that was here before us. It asks us to align ourselves and our relationships to the environment around us, essentially imagining the “dream” of the modern world. This first stage yearns us to address the environmental strain we see today on a global scale. Things like coastal cities experiencing constant flooding, forest disappearing due to deforestation and urban sprawl, and the way climate change manifests through increased frequency of extreme weather are all things we have tended to overlook for too long. On a social level, stage one encourages us to expand our minds and become more aware of the growing economic inequality, marginalization of communities, and the fact that we have lost our sense of supportive systems. It also brings up the fact that neighborhoods once full of close-knit connections and community interaction have been fragmented by modernized lifestyles where we’ve replaced genuine human interactions with meaningless digital screens and technology. As I mentioned prior, yes, stage one discusses plenty of factual, informative topics, like social and environmental factors and determinants that have come about because of human behavior. But it also invites us to sit with the heavy reality of global ecological strain, deep-rooted inequalities, and our inner sense of disconnection from the world we live in. Spiritually speaking, it asks us to investigate our inner lives, and ask ourselves how connected we feel to both our individual selves and the larger world around us. We are asked to sit with our lifestyle choices and ask ourselves whether we’ve become caught up in a cycle of routine distractions and how deeply we yearn for meaning in our lives. Doing this is obviously easier said than done, but this stage also gives us the idea to find meditation or journaling to help us do this.

Stage 2 ‘How did we get here?’, offers a deep insight into the historical, cultural and systematic determinants that have shaped our current state of society. This stage challenges us to stand back and consider the plethora of human decisions, from exploiting our natural resources to modern industrialization, to the shift of societal values, that have almost sidelined important principles like community welfare and ecological balance. This stage of the course takes us back into the industrial revolution, to reflect on a time when rapid technological progress was being made and celebrated and were often coming at the expense of natural resources or some form of pollution. Were meant to take into consideration how the vehicle-centric urban landscape designs we’ve worked all throughout the 20th century to perfect, enable not just pollution, but also social isolation, by prioritizing efficiency over community. Stage two reflects on social structures, and the forces or economic exploitation, colonialism, and systematic racism, that have all marginalized indigenous knowledge systems that honored nature and community in tradition. It talks about traditional agriculture from various cultures that maintained a safe balance between our needs and the environment’s in their time but have since been forgotten in the wake of the modern century. This stage offers a narrative of learning from our collective past choices that we can use to build the path towards rebuilding a foundation of value, awareness and respect for both the natural world and humanity.

Stage 3 ‘What is possible now?’ discusses the transition from observation to the hope of action, shining the light on the small movement already in place. In this section, we are meant to explore innovative solutions and emerging movements that are changing the way we live in communities and rearranging the values that make us thrive and give us meaning. This section is grounded in the realistic possibility of moving towards more sustainable living, social justice, and a newfound spiritual connection to the earth. At this stage, we explore the communities across the globe that are initiating sustainable living. There are a variety of innovative practices that elaborate on this reformed way of living, which includes things such as urban gardens like rooftop gardens and local food movements that will bring nature back into city life. In cities that have managed to sustain and thrive their community gardens, the residents there can work towards transforming public spaces for centers of safe creativity and collaboration. This section touched on renewable energy solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, and microgrid systems that all serve as innovative alternatives to unfriendly environmental practices.

The final stage, Stage 4 ‘Where do we go from here?’, synthesizes the reformed awareness and perspective we’ve developed throughout this course to produce concrete steps for personal and in turn a collective transformation. This stage calls for us to envision real, actionable change, whether it means becoming more engaged with the community around you, or altering personal lifestyle habits, or even becoming more of an advocate for systemic change and reform. This section reminds us that beyond individual choices, we must find and join the shared vision for a better future. It emphasizes the role of advocacy we must take in reforming policies and structures on a larger scale. Whether it’s supporting environmental protection legislation or aligning with organizations campaigning for environmental rights and social equity, we must be participants of civil societal change. This last stage is inspiring in terms of getting you to want to find yourself a connection to political movements that align with your values, and educational campaigns about things your passionate about, but just to overall be a member of society who advocates for having a say. This stage of the course discusses the transformative changes that must proceed as a continuous process where every action, no matter how small, counts and contributes towards shaping a future legacy of sustainable responsibility. This stage is a powerful conclusion to the course that really transformed my understanding into movement, or the future change of lifestyle choices within myself, but also speaks of creating the world we dream of one where we can actively participate in its recreation. This final stage truly ignites an urgency to make a dream a reality, to make the want of a better world come true, so we can leave our future generations with a world better than we found it.

My wow moment was when the course discussed an exercise that would help us visualize our everyday actions as mere seeds of profound potential change. To me, this was so impactful because it strips away the idea that you can’t help the situation because it’s only you alone and replaces it with the idea that even the smallest of changes can create another step towards the world we want. When we realize this, we can realize that changing aspects of our lives to do our part and do better, we become another link in the chain that will pull the world towards a more sustainable future. In retrospect, this seems like a rather simple concept. But to me, it’s something that isn’t so obvious until the words are written out right in front of you. Everyday we wake up, we have the opportunity to do and be better people than we were yesterday, and that is a powerful thing when you think about the power held in this decision. Dreams of a reimagined world don’t have to remain dreams. And I don’t need to wait for the masses to self-actualize and decide to change their unsustainable lifestyle choices for us to me to do my part. A step in the right direction is a step in the right direction, regardless of who its coming from and how big or small it is. We’ve always had the potential to make better decisions and not dictate our lives based on what mainstream culture and society wants us to be living, and it’s time we start remembering this aspect of our free will.

My overall reflection of the Awakening the Dreamer online course was transformative, and not only reshaped my perspective on the natural world, but also how I fit into it. This course profoundly gets you to question yourself and your role as an individual, as a citizen of your community, and human beings on this planet. This course disassembles the illusion of separation between humans and the natural world, instead urging us to self-assess ourselves and decide whether we truly agree with this separation. The course discusses a blend of observed reality with emotional contemplation, and rather than being overwhelmed by the dire state of the environment or degradation of social connection, the course asks us to look past these challenges to awaken the light of action within ourselves. By retracting our steps and recognizing our historical and cultural choices that have led to where we are, we can use it to recognize what actions we can take to change some of our behaviors, and hopefully step forward into a better, more sustainable future. The course asks us to reflect on what we can make possible today, from urban gardening to renewable energy sources, to other sustainability projects that can enable community engagement and resilience. This course inspires us to believe in our ability to make the change we want to see, and that sustainable solutions are not only viable, but making evident motion. This course ultimately serves well to raise a stronger awareness of the environment within anyone who takes this course, and gives people the motivation to act, regardless of how small you might think it is, to move towards a meaningful transition within our lives. Overall, I saw the Awakening the Dreamer course to offer a very holistic framework of introspection, historical awareness, present-day innovative alternative practices, and a future-oriented plan to create a better world for generations yet to come. This course serves as a timeless reminder that change begins with us, and to make change we must understand the process of transformation, as well as the fact that it is fueled by every single conscious decision we make, and those actions can either act to promote social justice and sustainability or go against it. Either way, we are the ones who have the power to decide, which is why we must choose every day to acknowledge and respect the natural world around us, because we would not have everything we do without it.

[kamjournals]

Waste to Energy Facility

Our trip to the Waste to Energy Facility was different and a big learning moment for me. Right from the start, the smell in the building wasn’t too pleasant, which I soon came to realize was coming from the huge waste facility towards the back of the building. Our guide and educational mentor for this trip gave an extensive amount of information that was new to me, teaching and shocking me with facts throughout his presentation. This organization began with the mission of finding alternative techniques and strategies of waste disposal other than a final disposal that involves landfills and incineration. To start off, I learned that this organization collects the trash from Lee and Hendry County, which they then convert into energy through an intricate process. Lee County has a population of 803,000, which is also predicted to produce 1.4 million tons of trash annually. This facility centers its main purpose around using this waste and household garbage and turning it into renewable energy through combustion. They say one man’s garbage is another’s treasure, and being completely honest, I think this organization has found their jackpot.

They operate 24/7, 365 days of the year to ensure there is constant waste being managed and processed, and energy is being produced. I learned that this facility generates about 57 megawatts of electricity, which is the equivalence of 32,700 powered homes annually. Something I found incredibly interesting was the fact that this facility was the first waste-to-energy facility in the U.S. to be include a permanently activated carbon injection system for controlling mercury emissions. And of course, this facility continues to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act, as well as continuing to meet many of their stringent standards. This facility has received much recognition and has been awarded many times for their incredibly engineered construction, design, operation, and their vast environmental and economic contributions.

This waste to energy facility is also responsible for beginning their own Recycle Smart program, which serves as an initiative to improve recycling habits and practices and hopefully reduce the amount of contamination within recycling streams. Their program is a part of something bigger than their company; it has to do with Lee County’s broader waste management efforts that can reduce the need for landfills, as well as the amount of waste and trash we incinerate, and then contribute to air pollution. I learned all about this program, including the fact that it emphasizes the five kinds of materials that belong to recycling, which are paper, metal cans, cardboard, plastic containers, and glass. This program supports and promotes community engagement and stewardship to do better for our planet, and we can start with recycling.

I learned that construction and demolition contribute to one third of waste generated. I also learned that this facility processes 122,000 tons of yard waste annually, which mostly consists of mulch, compost, and other grounds. I learned that this organization’s recycling plant utilizes the process of mechanical, electronic, and manual separation of materials to sell to manufacturers. All residential recycling comes to the MRF (Material Recovery Facility), and businesses are required to recycle the material they generate the most. Again, this organization is excellent at turning things that nobody wants into something everybody wants. Something I learned that was truly astounding to me was the fact that within incineration, tires burn three times hotter than regular waste and trash. I learned that Lee County is a leader in sustainability in North America, doing an incredible job at helping our community among many others, meeting our needs while lessening the compromise of the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

I learned about the fourth R the organization has added, which brings us to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover. We all know what reduce, reuse, and recycle means, but recovery is another branch they’ve taken the liberty of including, which involves extracting the value from waste that cannot be reduced, reused, or recycled. With recovery, the goal is to minimize the amount of waste that goes into landfills, while also generating essential by-products, like heat, fuel or electricity.

I learned that there are four main fuels that we utilize, including natural gas, coal, nuclear power, and renewable sources. Natural gas accounts for 43% and is the most used. For example, it’s used to power a hydronic fracking process that extracts these natural gases and oil or other resources from underground by drilling a well vertically into the earth. Coal used to account for 75% but has been lowered to 20% in recent years. Nuclear energy accounts for 9% but is considered controversial and expensive. Renewable resources account for 25%, but there are different resources that make up that 25%. For instance, hydroelectric energy makes up 9%, and waste, solar and wind energy make up the other 19%.

I also learned about different components or processes involved in the waste to energy facility that, again, works towards converting municipal waste into usable energy, like heat or electric energy. For instance, I learned that a stoker is a mechanical device that carries waste into the furnace for combustion. I learned that a switch yard is the area where electricity that’s generated by the facility is distributed to the power grid. I learned that a grizzly scalper is a screening device that is used to separate large, non-combustible waste items from waste before combustion begins. I learned the difference between ferrous and nonferrous metals: ferrous metals like steel and aluminum are magnetic and get separated from nonferrous metals like rings or come cans, which are nonmagnetic, in the waste stream for recycling. I learned that a baghouse is a filtration system that captures particulate matter from the flue gas before it gets released into the atmosphere.

Finally, I learned that we should always try to leave a place better than we found it.

I truly learned a lot about just how useful it can be to use waste to create energy. Getting to go out into the waste facility and see these individuals working to do their part of the process in creating renewable energy. Watching the giant 100ft. building that holds an incineration 30ft down and a waste expanse 80ft high was gratifying and really made me realize just how small I am in such a larger situation.

The two things I learned that were truly wow moments for me was firstly the fact that tires burn three times as hot as other waste due to its high energy content. I never realized that because tires are made from rubber, synthetic or natural, they contain high calorific value, which means they release larger amounts of energy when they burn in comparison to things like burning oil. This was an astonishing fact for me to learn because I never realized how bad tires are for the environment and how much they contribute to air pollution. My second wow moment was learning that you can actually get fined or charged for illegal dumping, specifically exceeding 15 lbs. or 27-cubic ft. or trash, which can also lead to misdemeanor or felony charges that include possible jail time. Learning this was genuinely jaw-dropping because I never realized that this could lead to felony charges let alone jail time. Not to say that I have ever thought about illegally public dumping my trash, but I just never realized that this was a serious offense.

[kamjournals]

E.C.H.O & Food Footprint

1. Introduction:

Right off the bat, the introduction video taught me that ECHO is an acronym that stands for Educational Conservation Hunger Organization. I learned that this program works to help people all over the world to feed themselves. ECHO’s mission is to work towards strengthening the capacity of a diverse global network to defeat hunger and improve lives through sustainable foods and agroecosystem strategies. ECHO’s motivation is their faith in Jesus, as He first loved us as agents of restoration, and they seek to glorify God and love our neighbors. ECHO is driven by their mission to help food insecurity and hunger and do so by empowering education and training and teaching farmers about sustainable practices and low-cost solutions. ECHO focuses on community development and growth by helping communities improve their food security, help them generate income, and improve their overall lives and wellbeing.

ECHO has provided training for a tremendous amount farmers and agricultural specialists, which includes teaching them about more sustainable farming practices and techniques. For example, in East Africa, ECHO trains the farmers there by connecting their trainers through community groups, agriculture and farming schools, and other forms of sustainable foods teachings. ECHO’s efforts and incredible work have positively impacted the lives of millions of people all over the world, their name, work and life-supporting efforts having become recognized on a global scale. Another example is ECHO’s hands-on outreach, and a community development project is creating market gardening in Dédougou, a city in western Burkina Faso, where they are providing training in market gardening inspired by women to work together and earn extra income. They would do this by learning to produce and sell things like tomato paste, made from the produce from their gardens.

They serve over 190 countries, maintaining research headquarters here in Fort Myers, and impact center facilities all over the world, including in Asia, and West and East Africa. ECHO serves in roughly 200 countries, and to name them all would be quite a mouthful, but some of these countries include Bolivia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, Ecuador, Kenya, Thailand, Australia, Japan, Colombia, Haiti, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada, etc. ECHO has partnered with a lot of different groups and organizations to support communities all around the world, including Kenya. One way that ECHO has collaborated with an organization to support communities in Kenya is their project with AMPATH, or Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare. Their collaboration provided tele-teaching and mentoring, and education for healthcare workers in Kenya. This helped improve the care for people in resource-limited communities. This partnership also connects ECHO team experts with primary care clinicians in communities in Kenya and have the opportunity to participate in virtual clinics and mentoring sessions that discuss thins like patient care and discussions about new developments. These kinds of partnerships that ECHO has successfully impacted communities with has made significant improvements to healthcare outcomes in Kenya, as well as other communities around the globe. This partnership specifically empowers local healthcare workers in Kenya with education and skills necessary to improve their health and community wellbeing.

2. Reflection

A. I learned a lot during my time at ECHO Farm and my experience was extremely educational and visually rewarding. I learned about the difference between sustainable seeds and GMO seeds, which do not grow correctly and have a chance of not reproducing at all. I learned of the importance of open pollination, which can be done by natural variants such as insects, birds, the wind, and other mechanisms. This practice is super important for genetic diversity in an ecosystem, as well as the adaptation of plants to local natural conditions.

I learned about seed saving, which is part of maintaining the genetic diversity of crops, making sure that farmers have access to well-adapted seeds to grow in their local environment, ultimately reducing the dependency on buying seeds from commercial suppliers. I also learned about other things like adaptive technology for harvesting crops, rainwater harvesting, composting practices, agroforestry which integrates trees and shrubs in agricultural areas and improves the soil and biodiversity, and tropical food plants. ECHO had thousands of different fruits , vegetables, and other tropical food plants which range from plants to eat, to those used for medicinal purposes.

I learned about various sustainable agricultural practices and water management practices ECHO has utilized. I learned about the water pump system, and the photos on the left side show a manual water pump system, and we learned about the importance of water management in agriculture, which includes systems for effective water irrigation and collection, like water pumps. This system in particular is simple and requires low-costing technology that can allow for access to water and distribute it for farming purposes. I also experienced my first well or water pump and the use of it, which was well demonstrated by a classmate.  

I learned about the practice of using red clay mixed with some cement to make bricks, which is aligned with ECHO’s resource-efficient sustainability techniques. This technique can be used with red clay from the ground on certain areas, and local materials like plastic bottles or other recycled materials that can be used to build. This practice is cost effective and reduces environmental impact on the surrounding areas of communities. I learned several aspects of sustainable construction and using eco-friendly materials to build. For example, the hut is made from the red clay dirt from the ground, some cement and other organic materials like straw, in a sense creating adobe bricks for building. Adobe bricks are simply made from a mixture of Earth’s natural materials and water, but are great in terms of low-cost, energy-efficient, and contain excellent thermal insulation properties.

I learned about other kinds of sustainable practices and construction that can be utilized besides rec clay. For example, aside from building with red clay, we can also use bamboo and thatch structures to build. Bamboo has a lot of different qualities, from being able to be eaten, to used for construction. Bamboo is extremely versatile when it comes to using it for building and farming purposes, mainly because it’s sustainable, it grows fast, and it’s extremely durable. Because bamboo is such a great material to build with, ECHO has used it to create shelters, shaded areas, and extra supports around the area. The bamboo plant is also extremely beneficial to the environment it grows in, as it can prevent soil erosion, support biodiversity, and are highly effective at sequestering carbon.

I learned about pig pen construction, which is made from concrete and metal bars to provide durability and safety for the pigs. I learned of the importance behind sturdy animal shelters to be able to withstand all sorts of weather conditions and other factors that come into play. I learned a little bit about the hygiene and cleanliness that should be kept for healthy, happy pigs, like the water and food containers they eat from. The way it’s important for humans, it is also important for pigs and other animals to have access to clean and accessible food and water sources. This, of course, will help maintain their health, wellbeing, and growth. I learned that it is also better for pigs like these to be with other pigs for companionship, which makes sense considering they are social herd animals. When they are placed together rather than alone, the pigs will tend to be happier and healthier thanks to their stable friendships and other kinds of established relationships, like who mom and dad are and who their friends are.

I learned a lot about plant diversity and diverse flora and fauna. I learned about the Tropical Highlands that tend to be shaded habitats formed along the slopes of tropical mountains. I learned that these areas tend to be home to a vast number of plants and animals and are therefore extremely beneficial in terms of maintaining biodiversity. ECHO is home to thousands of plants like the Banana plant, and other kinds of vegetation. I learned about various different kinds of plants that are able to grow in the Tropical highlands, as well as the complex, but visually appealing, ecosystems that reside here. I learned about many different crops and plants that are grown in ECHO’s very own farmlands, which are completely safe, edible, and provide many nutritional benefits. For example, one plant I learned about was the Moringa plant, which actually provides many health benefits like Vitamin C, proteins, minerals, and antioxidants. Something interesting about this plant that I learned is the fact that there is no caffeine or any other stimulants in the plant, but it can keep you up all night when ingested.

On the topic of plants, I learned about the chaya plant, which interestingly enough is also referred to as tree spinach. This plant is very fast-growing and is extremely valued for the nutritional properties it possesses. For example, this plant is rich in all the Vitamins, A, C, and B, it’s protein-packed, and so full of calcium, iron and antioxidants that its considered more nutritious than actual spinach. I learned that the chaya plant has traditionally been used to treat ailments like diabetes, acne, eye problems, and kidney stones, and is believed to improve digestion. I learned about the Prickly pear plant, which is a type of cactus that grows big red and yellow flowers. I learned that this plant is traditionally used by the Mexican culture to cook, and it can also be used for medicinal purposes like controlling your blood sugar levels. I learned about Turken chickens, or naked neck chickens, which are raised here in ECHO’s farm for egg production and meat. The chicken in the coop in my photo collage is to show part of their sustainable poultry farming practices. We visited goats in their pen, and here I learned about the 5 M’s goats provide farmers with: Meat, Milk, Manure, Muscle, and Money. These represent the versatility and value of having goats for sustainable farming practices.

I learned about another plant called the Neem tree, which is extremely beneficial for your akin, hair and teeth. This plant provides tremendous health benefits, including antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties, it can kill lice in hair, and can be used to cook. I learned that this plant is used a lot in India to make curry, and in some parts of the world, this plant has been used by mothers to cure a child’s chicken pocks. I learned about semi-arid environments and ecosystems, as well as the characteristics that make it up like climate, vegetation and water availability and scarcity. I learned about the keyhole garden design which is made of bricks and is a sustainable and innovative gardening technique designed specifically for semi-arid plants. These gardens are designed to conserve water, enhance the soil’s nutrients and fertility, and increase crop yields under difficult climate conditions.

I learned about the techniques and strategies that go into urban gardening, utilizing things like container gardening, vertical gardening, and rooftop gardening. We visited some more goats and a dog that lives with them, and here we discussed more or less what goes into taking care of goats, as well as the benefits of raising them for their contributions of the 5 M’s. In many cultures, people use goats for meat since it’s lean and nutritious. The same goes for their milk seeing as there are tons of milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter products that are made frow goat’s milk rather than cow’s milk since it can be easier to digest and is also highly nutritious. Their manure serves as an excellent fertilizer that enriches the soil with the nutrients necessary to improve crop growth. Muscle refers to a goat’s surprising strength and capabilities of carrying heavy loads and things of that sort.  And of course, money refers to how profitable it can be for farmers to have goats on their farm. I thought it was quite funny because on our tour, I was told that the dog lives with the goats because he thinks he is one of them and almost serves as their protector, which I thought was so interesting and endearing. I learned about rainforest ecosystems and their unique flora and fauna, as well as the deforestation and climate change issues these ecosystems face.

B. Organizations like ECHO Farm are so important because food security is one of this world’s biggest problems. There are thousands and thousands of fathers, mothers, and children who tragically die from starvation, and even more that suffer from hunger and food insecurity. ECHO, and organizations like it, are so important because they promote sustainable living and agriculture, and they contribute to helping reduce hunger and improving food security and nutrition all over the world. They focus on natural environment conservation and sustainable resource management, as well as agroforestry, soil health and nutrition, water conservation and overall long-term sustainability and health of our planet. This organization works to find ways that can work for people with limited resources to meet their needs, and that can be done through things like education, healthcare, agriculture and food resources, clean water and accessibility to it, etc. ECHO is constantly implementing new innovative techniques that help individuals in challenged communities to generate income and generate food production and foster a sense of resilience and security. ECHO is important because it aligns its mission and values with the word and faith of God, spreading His word with every plate of food they serve and every seed they plant in its place. Organizations like this one are passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives and are especially important for securing an equitable and sustainable planet for our future generations.

C. Adaptive technology is very useful for farmers when it comes to adapting their agriculture to withstand and continue to grow throughout ever-changing environmental conditions. An example of this is vertical farming, which is essentially exactly how it sounds. This farming technique involves the process of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, typically grown in an indoor, controlled environment. It can be done in various ways, including in shipping containers, buildings, or multi-level greenhouses, where there are vertical arrangements or even towers of plants growing. This technique involves the use of hydroponics, which is essentially a system that helps the plants grow by spraying them with a nutrient-rich water solution. A lot of the time you will find crops like lettuce, kale, herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and microgreens, which are young seedlings of vegetables and herbs.

D. Something I discovered at the ECHO farm that I will definitely apply to my own life would be the knowledge I gained about the Moringa plant and Neem tree. This is because I have tried all different types of products and antibiotics and medications to try and help with all kinds of things, from acne to better digestion. And learning that I can get all the health benefits my body needs by supplementing these plants into my daily life, whether it be by using it to cook or putting it on my face as moisturizer, can help me tremendously. Not only are these plants natural and the best thing to be put in and on your body, but it is also the most cost-effective considering it grows out of the ground, and I can buy some at the ECHO farm for a decent price, which is not expensive at all in my opinion. As a girl, I am always looking for products that will improve my skin, and make my hair grow healthier, and replenish the vitamins and nutrients that I may or may not be getting enough of in my diet. And to find out that I can get all of those benefits in one little plant for a cheap price is a very valuable piece of information for me, and I will be using this to my advantage.

3. Food Imprint

This trip to ECHO farm was a huge reminder that I should always be grateful for every meal I have been given, and for the fact that I have never had to wonder where the next one will come from. My life would be incredibly different if I had to grow my own food because I don’t think I would even know where to begin, and it’s not because I can’t put a seed in the ground and cover it with dirt and water. I say this because knowing about agriculture is more difficult than one might assume. Growing and finding my own food would require me to develop a set of gardening and farming skills, I would have to learn to forage and possibly learn to hunt. I would need to be aware of what’s in season during what times, and my diet would strictly depend on seasonal availability. Growing up, I have always been fortunate enough to have food at my disposal, but I have struggled with it somewhat. I have a lot of digestive issues, and one time, I was so hungry, yet dehydrated that I had to be hospitalized, where I then went through four bags of I.V. liquid within only a few hours. Once I came home and I was finally able to eat real food, I was more grateful than I had ever been for being ablet to digest, delicious, healthy food. The food that I buy and eat generally comes from supermarkets like Publix or Trader Joe’s and sometimes Target. I couldn’t say that I know where my food comes from when I buy it from Publix or Target, but I assume their produce and food items are shipped from all over the country, and probably some other countries like China or Mexico. The same goes from Trader Joe’s, but if I had to assume from the labels on their items, a lot of their produce and food items come from Mexico and Italy. I believe that Trader Joe’s directly grows and produces source products since they sell their brand name items in the store as well.

[kamjournals]

Trip to C.R.E.W!

Our field trip to CREW was great, to say the least, and it was a fun experience too, since it was our first field trip off campus. Throughout the field trip, we made plenty of stops to take in the scenic nature around us and discuss a little bit about environmental factors that sustain life in the natural world. Throughout the field trip, not only did we discuss the environmental factors we were observing, but also about some Sustainable Development Goals that play into the natural everyday world. At the start of our trip, we were given a total of five sustainable development goals to keep in mind when before we start discussing all the aspects of CREW. Those SDG’s were #11 sustainable cities and communities, #12 responsible consumption and production, #13 climate action, #14 life below water, and #15 life on land.

On our first stop, we remained towards the front of CREW, where I initially learned that it stands for Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. I learned that this place is a non-profit conservation organization that focuses on the preservation of water resources and natural communities around the CREW area. We talked a little bit about what watersheds were and their purpose of collecting and storing water. I learned that these watersheds provide the environment with natural flood protection. During this stop, I thought about SDG #14, which was life below water, since we were discussing the importance of watersheds and water conservation. The topics we discussed and the things I learned formed a connection with SDG 14 because we were focusing on sustainable marine resources and protecting life and ecosystems underwater.

On our second stop, the first fun fact I learned was that ecosystems are typically named after the dominant plant within it. I thought this was a really interesting fact, especially when our tour guide connected that back to our stop, Flat Pinewoods. This ecosystem was given it’s name because of the dominant pine plant, but also because it’s the highest and driest of the ecosystems in CREW. I saw and learned about many different types of trees in the area, like the saw palmetto, and the sabal palm or cabbage palm, which I learned is actually our state tree. I also learned that cabbage palms are not actually considered trees because they don’t produce wood. I also got to see a snake and where the gopher tortoises live within the Pine Flatwoods.

Stop three was the seasonal marsh, which I learned is called a seasonal marsh because the amount of water in it depends on the season. At this stop, we got to walk onto a wooden bridge that overlooks a huge marsh of trees and plants. The water levels were pretty low, and it was mostly dry. I learned about the importance of these seasonal marshes to maintain sustainable breeding habitats for amphibians and other aquatic life. We saw some birds fly by, and I learned that this marsh is actually important for wading birds, like egrets and herons, to feed.

Stop four was a kind of branch off from stop two, and at this stop we discussed the utilization of fire in nature. More specifically, how the CREW workers use a land management technique called prescribed burns. I had never heard of this process before this field trip, and I learned that this process purposely applies fire to a specific area to achieve the desired land management goal. Writing a prescription for a burn takes a lot of complicated aspects that all need to align for this to work, including the weather conditions, the equipment and manpower, and the goal being wished to accomplish with the land. I also learned that this process is necessary to mimic natural fire regime that may happen in an ecosystem naturally. On this stop, I started thinking about the fact that this stop especially connects with SDG #13, climate action, since we were discussing land management techniques that demonstrate proactive climate action, as well as sustainable practices that help mitigate real climate-related risks.

Stop five was the Ecotone (or Oak Hammock), which was shadier than the other areas, and the soil was moister. At this stop, I learned that an ecotone is a point of transition from one ecosystem to another, which is why it was so narrow and different in terms of the land area to our previous stops. Ecotones can be either very narrow, like the first one we saw, or they can be wider and less distinct. Because an ecotone is essentially where two ecosystems mix, they get the plant and animals of both ecosystems, which makes them areas of high biodiversity. I also learned that the wetlands give the soil here extra moisture, which works at preventing fire from spreading to this area, allowing the oak trees to grow. SDG #15 really connected with me on this stop since we were talking about Ecotone, and both are aimed at protecting and promoting high biodiversity.

When we made it to stop six, we were looking at 5,000 acres of Sawgrass Marsh. I learned that this marsh is the headwater of the Imperial River. In terms of geography, I learned that to the left is Immokalee, straight ahead is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Naples, and to the right is Bonita Springs. On the far right, is Estero and FGCU. I learned that because wetlands preserve a great amount of water during the rainy season, which works to provide floor protection for the surrounding area. I also learned that this prevents all that extra water from ending up in the streets of Bonita Springs. I also learned about aquifers, which I found out is a layer of rock underneath the ground that holds water. We discussed different demands of water, and the fact that this demand is highest during the winter. We discussed the concept of recharging the aquifers, as well as the differences between exotic, invasive and native species. SDG #11, sustainable cities & communities, correlates to what we were talking about on this stop because it focused on sustainable urban planning and ensuring the safety of both cities and communities remain resilient against natural disasters.

Stop seven was at the airboat ramp, which I learned was constructed out of Ipe wood, or Pao Lope. This was interesting because not only was this ramp made from Ipe wood, but every boardwalk and observation platform at CREW is as well. This was actually pretty interesting to learn about because I found out that the Ipe wood used is extremely hard, rot resistant and fire resistant, and is overall made to withstand the harsh climate conditions of south Florida. From the airboat ramp, you can see an entire ecosystem thriving, and it includes animals like alligators, fish, frogs, and even otters that tend to swim in the water here. We talked about some plants that were in the area, including bladderwort, pickerelweed, and arrowhead or duck potato, which fun fact: was the plant Katniss Everdeen was named after in the Hunger Games. This stop made me think of SDG #12, responsible consumption & production, because our discussion was based on promoting the use of environmentally friendly materials, as well as sustainable consumption patterns. Stop eight was at the Pop ash Slough, which was essentially a swamp or a shallow forested river. I learned that pop ash trees are deciduous, which means the opposite of evergreen. This means that during the fall and winter seasons, the treetops will drop all their leaves at the same time. I learned that the closed canopy traps humidity in the air. I thought this was interesting because the humidity attracts epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants. I thought this was an interesting fact because although they live on other plants, they are not parasitic, since they don’t actually take nutrients from the host plant. Until this, I never realized that resurrection ferns are epiphytes, which I also thought was super interesting. I also learned about yellow bellied sapsucker birds, which are small, black and white, and make tiny holes in trees. These sapsuckers are kind of like woodpeckers, in the sense that they peck the trees for sap to feed.

At stop nine, we walked over to Oak Hammock, which was a lot shadier thanks to the more closed canopy. Oak trees were dominant in this area, which makes sense since the ecosystem is called Oak Hammock. Oak Hammocks tend to be lower in elevation in comparison to Pine Flatwoods but are also higher in elevation than the wetlands that surround them. Oak Hammocks, in comparison to Pine Flatwoods, don’t burn as often, only actually burning every 18-20 years. I learned that sometimes barred owls can be found in oak hammocks, and the most interesting thing I learned about them is the fact that their call is so distinct, it sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” I thought this was such a hilarious, amazing fact because after that, I watched a video of a barred owl call, and it sounded so similar, I was amazed.

Stop ten, and our final stop, was at Suzanne’s Pavilion, which was a great place to sit, rest, and discuss as a whole about our experience and take aways. At the pavilion, each group discussed how the SDG we were each assigned correlated to our trip. Team One was assigned sustainable cities & communities. And from their presentation, I learned that this SDG is important because not every piece of land is meant to be built on, but some are meant to be preserved for the sake of the ecosystems and wildlife living there. It is important to leave and preserve some land for the natural environment, and in doing so we need to keep industrial land separate from sustainable areas. Team Two was assigned to responsible consumption & production. From this group’s presentation, I learned that some of the areas we visited like the walking trails, the designated hunting and camping grounds, the man-made hiking trails, the picnic area, and the pavilion, are all great examples of sustainable human production. Team Three’s SDG was climate action, and I learned that this connected to our trip because part of climate action includes prescribing burns to achieve well-maintained land management. This process allows the mix of ash and soil to bring in new life, and the fire allows pinecones to open, drop their seeds, and reproduce. Team Four’s SDG was life below water, which was relevant to the aquifers and the preservation of water, as well as the life below it. Water lives all around us, and so we must protect the water used by animals and humans. We must keep watersheds, and make sure not to industrially build over certain water lands. My team’s, Team Five, SDG was life on land, and this one essentially connected to most aspects of the trip, simply because life on land encapsulates all biodiversity and ecosystems. I really enjoyed this field trip because I was able to learn new things about our environment while also having a fun time.

[kamjournals]

FGCU Sustainability Efforts & Nature Trail Walk Field Trip

I never realized just how much FGCU incorporates sustainability into so many aspects of operations, and right from the get-go I discovered new things about our school’s initiative. For one, I learned that the blue and green garbage and recycling bins I see around campus are actually Belly Solar Compacting Trash Cans, that run on solar energy to compact the trash inside when the lid is opened and closed.

During our second stop, I had fun looking around at the giant cooling containers that provide FGCU’s main campus with air conditioning. This was insane to see up close, and even more insane to learn that the plant is water-based, meaning the cooling method they use includes water as the primary coolant, like the thermal ice storage the plant uses to cool down the buildings, rather than using a toxic coolant that could harm us or the environment around us.

On the third stop, we went behind Whitaker Hall, where I learned that the ponds around campus are actually man-made and not natural, which I found surprising. This stop was so scenic with the ponds, the trees, and the sun shining on our beautiful school. I enjoyed learning about the fact that even though FGCU’s ponds are not natural, they are still designed in a way that will support the growth of aquatic plants and wildlife. It’s a simply incredible thing to know that my school takes the extra initiative to truly incorporate the environment into our school, rather than push it out with industrialization.

Stop number four was at Seidler Hall, which was awarded a Platinum-level LEED certificate, proving seriously impressive, as it shows the kind of dedication the people here have towards promoting and utilizing sustainability. Especially because Seidler's a science building that has notorious energy-draining labs and practices.

The fifth stop was informational because I learned about the native plants that FGCU has brought to our campus, in attempts to attract native animals, and creating our own habitat on campus. I appreciate FGCU the most for the various green spaces they provide, where I can do everything from homework to exercise, all while being encompassed by nature.

The sixth stop was nice because it was at the Veteran’s Pavilion on library lawn where I can see most of the school. This allowed me to look at my school from a new perspective, with a more profound appreciation for their sustainability efforts than I had prior to this field trip. At this stop, we discussed the multiple services and programs offered by FGCU, like the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, that can help students like me become involved in the community.

I enjoyed my time during the nature trails and Cypress Dome mainly because it was what I was hoping to get out of this class. What I mean is that at the beginning of the semester, I told my professor that one of my goals with this course was to become more immersed in nature, and I would without a doubt consider this an immersive experience. When walking through the water, I felt a sense of place there, where I could only see trees all around me, and the only things I could hear were the sounds of nature and the flow of the water. This field trip connects with the concept of ecological perspective because I made various observations in biodiversity, from the aquatic animals and plants to a cypress swamp. Making so many observations from an ecological perspective on this field trip also made me realize the importance of wetland conservation and how we should work towards protecting these valuable areas, for the sake of the ecosystems there.

This field trip was extremely insightful in terms of just how many sustainability initiatives FGCU takes towards keeping the environment around us clean and doing our best to reduce our school’s ecological footprint as much as possible. FGCU utilizes things like solar energy and water conservation to preserve the quality of the environment surrounding our school. The triple bottom line refers to maintenance and care of People, Planet & Profit, which is connected to what I learned from the field trip because I witnessed a successful organization utilize the triple bottom line to implement practices that are the most efficient. FGCU is dedicated to the involvement and success of their students, providing several supportive services. FGCU also takes sustainability into consideration with almost every decision they make, from trash collection to habitat support. FGCU provides over one thousand jobs, partnering with local businesses for events, ongoing research and continuously utilizing new innovative ideas and practices.

My tree, tall and thin, the sun’s reflection brightly gleams onto wide, wet, continuous streams, where I stand and feel timbered wood on my skin the quiet of our silence echoes like a scream.

[kamjournals]

Hello everyone! I’m Kameryn Veras and I am a student at FGCU, majoring in health science. A little bit about me, I am a twin, I have a cat named Simone who I love more than anything, I love spending time outdoors, I enjoy reading, and I’m a huge Game of Thrones fan.

My sense of place used to be my grandmother’s house, where I spent most of my childhood growing up. I lived in my grandmother’s house until I was thirteen, and my mom, my sister, and my grandparents were the ones who made my sense of place. My twin sister is basically my built-in best friend, and I always have a sense of place as long as I’m with her. Since moving to Fort Myers for school, I have developed a new sense of place here, amongst nature, my education, and the friends I have made along my journey. Being at FGCU has allowed me to have a complete change of scenery, where I didn’t know anything or anyone.

Being in a new place has given me the opportunity to branch out and take risks. Nature is probably my favorite part about FGCU campus because I can walk everywhere and take the nature trails and walking trails all around campus. But not only does the campus have beautiful scenery, but the city around us too. Fort Myers Beach has become one of my favorite spots to visit.

From what I had heard from others about a Colloquium course, my preconceptions included a service-learning component, environmental field trips, and lots of writing-intensive assignments and group projects. I anticipate that during the lecture, we will be discussing sustainability, and environmental determinants and hazards including anything from air pollution to food waste. My preconceptions did not differ too much from those made by my other team members, and we all for the most part expected to learn about the environment, what harms it and what we can do to sustain the world we live in.

The things I learn in this course will be beneficial to myself and my major because I am a health science major, meaning one day, I want to have a career in the medical field, taking care of patients and helping families. This course ties into that because the drug and medical device industries produce huge amounts of waste in the world. The healthcare industry costs a lot, in terms of money and the environmental factors it affects, like medication waste, the overuse of diagnostic testing, medical supplies, etc. My take aways from this course will help me not only in my future career, but also as a citizen in my own community.