Saturday, December 18, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Matanzas Pass Preserve
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
As I cross the bridge to enter Fort Myers Beach, I think I am lost. There is no way that there is a Preserve on this tiny island. But then I turn on a gravel road and see the hunble cottage where I am greeted by a sweet old woman who makes you feel so welcome and warm. As I listened to her talk I hear the passion in her voice and the true love she has for this area.
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
She speaks of how things used to be, how beautiful the area was, and how united the people were. To me, her passion is the water. She went on forever of how blue it was. "On any given day you could see fifteen feet straight down to the bottom" she says. And then I thought of my memories of the Gulf of Mexico. I immediately flashbacked to murky water and my mother yelling at me to shuffle my feet so I wouldn't get stung by a sting ray. It was only the rarest of days in my childhood where we could see to the bottom of the Gulf, and it was never fifteen feet.
ECHO
They say it right on their website "ECHO does not teach people how to farm. Rather to make farmers more effective at producing crops under hard conditions." ECHO helps so many people with their studies and their teachings on growing food in harsh conditions.
For example, finding cheap ways to make methane gases to make fires so they can make a meal. They take a barrel and fill it half with human excrement and half with water. This makes a methane gas that can eventually start a fire. This saves so many people from having to travel so many miles to find proper sticks to make fires to food their meals.
These techniques are not only help feed people, but they are teaching people how to live sustainably. So not only are they feeding people. they are feeding people the right way.
What was most interesting to me was their ideas for the urban farmer. So many of us live surrounded by concrete it is almost impossible to farm. But ECHO has found some neat tricks for farming on your rooftop, using above all things tires. It is these unique, creative, and necessary thoughts that give us a ray of hope in the world of sustainability. It is possible, it is attainable. We just need the will and the desire to accomplish our goals.
For example, finding cheap ways to make methane gases to make fires so they can make a meal. They take a barrel and fill it half with human excrement and half with water. This makes a methane gas that can eventually start a fire. This saves so many people from having to travel so many miles to find proper sticks to make fires to food their meals.
These techniques are not only help feed people, but they are teaching people how to live sustainably. So not only are they feeding people. they are feeding people the right way.
What was most interesting to me was their ideas for the urban farmer. So many of us live surrounded by concrete it is almost impossible to farm. But ECHO has found some neat tricks for farming on your rooftop, using above all things tires. It is these unique, creative, and necessary thoughts that give us a ray of hope in the world of sustainability. It is possible, it is attainable. We just need the will and the desire to accomplish our goals.
Sense Of Place
In Southwest Florida we are surrounded by housing developments. Actually, it is hard NOT to live in a housing development in this area. Case and point, my living quarters. I live in a three bedroom townhouse in Copper Oaks just across the Estero Bridge. And although I do love where I live, it is a concrete jungle where the most exotic animal there are the ducks on the man made pond in my back yard.
As I take a walk around my loop I am noticing the considerable adsense of any type of life. The developers have completely bulldozed it. It is almost hard to believe that it was once nothing but green trees and animals. The jam packed driveways and parking spaces have proven to me that there is no chance for sustainability here.
As sad as this seems I do find some solace in mydevelopment. It is on my back patio watching the sun set on my man made pond. All I need is my futon, my cat, and a glass of wine to erase all the stress and worries from everyday life. Watching the reds and oranges from the sun reflect on the lake makes me feel at peace and at home in the most unhomely of places.
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
As I take a walk around my loop I am noticing the considerable adsense of any type of life. The developers have completely bulldozed it. It is almost hard to believe that it was once nothing but green trees and animals. The jam packed driveways and parking spaces have proven to me that there is no chance for sustainability here.
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
As sad as this seems I do find some solace in mydevelopment. It is on my back patio watching the sun set on my man made pond. All I need is my futon, my cat, and a glass of wine to erase all the stress and worries from everyday life. Watching the reds and oranges from the sun reflect on the lake makes me feel at peace and at home in the most unhomely of places.
Final Impressions
As we wrap up the semester I begin to reflect all of my learnings over the last few months. I am sitting here thinking of all of my other classes and I am left feeling a little empty. It saddens me to know that my other four courses are strictly going to be short term memory and are soon to be forgotten. Then I come upon this class and I think of all of the readings, field trips, papers, group project, and all around work involved in this required course. I am filled with so many emotions: exhaustion, frustration, animosity, but most of all appreciation. Although I was forced to take this class I do appreciate the University for making it a requirement for graduation. I now have a new found appreciation and knowledge for not just the world, but for my community. I had no idea that such wonderful things were just a few miles away from my home. I have a new appreciation for the readings such as in our Colloquium Reader and also in A Land Remembered (my personal favorite).
Although this course was hands down my most time consuming, and at times confusing course, I now see the reasons why. We need to have these ideas and realities drilled into our heads, for we are the future. We are the answer, and we are the way out of the mess we have made. The world will heal itself, if we just let her.It is because of your class that I went to Panther Island, and am finishing up the remainder of my service learning hours there (SO EXCITED!). Had I not been required to take this course I would have never known of any of these places and opened my mind to the things in my own back yard. I thank you for all of your hard work and for opening my eyes. Have a great break.
Although this course was hands down my most time consuming, and at times confusing course, I now see the reasons why. We need to have these ideas and realities drilled into our heads, for we are the future. We are the answer, and we are the way out of the mess we have made. The world will heal itself, if we just let her.It is because of your class that I went to Panther Island, and am finishing up the remainder of my service learning hours there (SO EXCITED!). Had I not been required to take this course I would have never known of any of these places and opened my mind to the things in my own back yard. I thank you for all of your hard work and for opening my eyes. Have a great break.
Sense of Place Interview
One day i struck up a conversation with my Grandma about sustainability. At first she had no idea what I was talking about. But once I explained to her what it was and what it meant she was all for conversation. My grandmother has been a very sustainable woman for most of her life. She grows eighty percent of her own food and it is all completely organic. She has even lived in Florida for over fifty years and has never owned an air conditioner. The biggest thing that we realized together was that she was being sustainable without even realizing it. She looks at the things that my generation owns and consumes and she thinks it is all "rubbish". She sees my generation and thinks that we are all lazy and just don't know "how to get our hands dirty". I see some of the things my generation owns and consumes and I see it as taking a shortcut to the same final destination.
The biggest difference between her generation and mine is the road to the destination. My generation is all about getting there. If we could, we would get there yesterday. We want to get there so we can move on and go to the next stop. Her generation is all about the journey. It is all about how you get there and what you learn along the way. It is all a growing experience to her, and my generation is missing out on it. Her greatest point was "what will have to happen for you to learn that it is the wrong way of thinking? What tragedy must happen?"
The biggest difference between her generation and mine is the road to the destination. My generation is all about getting there. If we could, we would get there yesterday. We want to get there so we can move on and go to the next stop. Her generation is all about the journey. It is all about how you get there and what you learn along the way. It is all a growing experience to her, and my generation is missing out on it. Her greatest point was "what will have to happen for you to learn that it is the wrong way of thinking? What tragedy must happen?"
Museum of History
When I walk into the Southwest Florida Museum of History I am greeted by a nice older gentleman. We talk for a few minutes and he sends me on my way. I round the corner and I am greeted by a large mammoth head and I definitely did not expect to see. I found myself standing there, amazed at it's size and in wonderment that something like that used to walk the very ground that I drive on.
I mosey along and stop and read some of the signs and learn about Indians, and the Myer's family. But I truly begin to slow down and enjoy the museum once I hit the Clyde Butcher exhibit. I have always been a fan of his pictures, but I have never really studied him. Once I walked into his exhibit I stopped at every picture and read every excerpt. His love for Florida and for the Swamp made me want to go deep into the Everglades and search for the elusive ghost orchid (my favorite picture of his).
At the train car I got to see how the richest people traveled back then. I was amazed at the architecture of the car and could not believe that it cost $80,000 a year to run it!!! That is a lot of money in today's world! I can't even imagine today's equivalent. I loved how the car was so beautifully layed out. They have put a lot of thought on how to use every inch of that car to their advantage (who cannot appreciate a chair/toilet?).
The museum wraps up with the cottage displaying how normal families resided. Seeing this cottage made me think of the book, A Land Remembered. "Being a Cracker", living in a small cottage, doing your cooking in a different area so not to attract animals, that was how everyone lived back then. How do we get back to that simplicity?
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
I mosey along and stop and read some of the signs and learn about Indians, and the Myer's family. But I truly begin to slow down and enjoy the museum once I hit the Clyde Butcher exhibit. I have always been a fan of his pictures, but I have never really studied him. Once I walked into his exhibit I stopped at every picture and read every excerpt. His love for Florida and for the Swamp made me want to go deep into the Everglades and search for the elusive ghost orchid (my favorite picture of his).
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
At the train car I got to see how the richest people traveled back then. I was amazed at the architecture of the car and could not believe that it cost $80,000 a year to run it!!! That is a lot of money in today's world! I can't even imagine today's equivalent. I loved how the car was so beautifully layed out. They have put a lot of thought on how to use every inch of that car to their advantage (who cannot appreciate a chair/toilet?).
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
The museum wraps up with the cottage displaying how normal families resided. Seeing this cottage made me think of the book, A Land Remembered. "Being a Cracker", living in a small cottage, doing your cooking in a different area so not to attract animals, that was how everyone lived back then. How do we get back to that simplicity?
Corkscrew Swamp
It is true what they say, green is good. But I am not talking about "being green", I am talking about the color green. When I first entered the boardwalk at Corkscrew I was suddenly stress free. In ninety five degree weather and a shoulder sling I found myself walking a little slower and enjoying the scenery a little more.
The boardwalk twists and turns and takes you on several different scenic routes throughout the over two mile hike, and every last step was worth it. I even found myself taking a seat on a bench just to take it all in and make the journey last longer. While I was relaxing and listening to the soundtrack of the wind and the bullfrogs I realized I was not thinking about anything. Not about school, or work, or bills, I was just being. And what more could you ask from a field trip?
What I was most impressed with was the trees. I do not think I had ever seen trees that big. It made me wonder about their history and how long they had been there. Just thinking of all of the natural disasters they had to endure over the years was infathomable. All those trecherous hurricanes and wild summer storms.
Corkscrew Swamp was so informative and entertaining to say the least. I left there so peaceful, yet dripping in sweat and planning my next trip to the Sanctuary.
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
The boardwalk twists and turns and takes you on several different scenic routes throughout the over two mile hike, and every last step was worth it. I even found myself taking a seat on a bench just to take it all in and make the journey last longer. While I was relaxing and listening to the soundtrack of the wind and the bullfrogs I realized I was not thinking about anything. Not about school, or work, or bills, I was just being. And what more could you ask from a field trip?
O'Mara, H. (2010). Colloquium Pictures. Fort Myers, FL, United States.
What I was most impressed with was the trees. I do not think I had ever seen trees that big. It made me wonder about their history and how long they had been there. Just thinking of all of the natural disasters they had to endure over the years was infathomable. All those trecherous hurricanes and wild summer storms.
Corkscrew Swamp was so informative and entertaining to say the least. I left there so peaceful, yet dripping in sweat and planning my next trip to the Sanctuary.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Ecological Footprint
After taking the Ecological Footprint Quiz, I found that if everyone on the Earth lived like I do we would need 4.3 Earths. I found this quite shocking because I have always found myself such a environmentally conscious person.
At first I was doing quite well. I always try to unplug unnecessary appliances, like my toothbrush and my cell phone charger. It wasn't until I quized myself on what I ate and how I drove that I truly understood how bad my habits are. For example, I drink a lot of coffee, and I never knew it has such an ecological impact on the planet. I also drive a lot by myself. I live so close to campus it now seems ridiculous not to ride my bike to class (I'm sure I would get a better parking spot!).
As I monitored my food intake, I realized that some reductions could be made. I like to snack on fruit all day, and although this may be healthy to me, it could be unhealthy for our planet. All this snacking can defenitely add up and have very taxing effects on our planet.
I also paid attention to the packaging of items. When I opened my lunchbox today, all I saw was plastic sandwich bags with snacks in it. I could have just as easily put my snacks in Gladware containers that are re-usable. I also bought a pre-made sandwich today, it was wrapped in Saran Wrap. All of this things could be eliminated without any harm to me.
My fuel usage was a shock as well. I could not believe that I drove one-thousand miles a month. I only drive to school and to work! I realized that I need to have some serious changes in my communiting if I am going to alter my impacts at all.
This quiz was extremely eye-opening. I have always tried to do my part in my household. I have put bricks in our tanks on top of our toilets, and I unplug appliances. What this quiz helped me realize is that there is plenty to be done outside of the household as well. There is a "green" way to do everything in your life.
As I monitored my food intake, I realized that some reductions could be made. I like to snack on fruit all day, and although this may be healthy to me, it could be unhealthy for our planet. All this snacking can defenitely add up and have very taxing effects on our planet.
I also paid attention to the packaging of items. When I opened my lunchbox today, all I saw was plastic sandwich bags with snacks in it. I could have just as easily put my snacks in Gladware containers that are re-usable. I also bought a pre-made sandwich today, it was wrapped in Saran Wrap. All of this things could be eliminated without any harm to me.
This quiz was extremely eye-opening. I have always tried to do my part in my household. I have put bricks in our tanks on top of our toilets, and I unplug appliances. What this quiz helped me realize is that there is plenty to be done outside of the household as well. There is a "green" way to do everything in your life.
Field Trip - Campus and Trails
As a kid I always loved field trips, no matter what they were. To this day my favorite field trip is when I went to the Edison home when I was in the fifth grade. I always love learning something new, and especially seeing the new scenery.So when I heard this class had a lot of field trips I was beyond excited!
My first stop was the Nature Trail on campus. When I first read the syllabus my initial reaction was "there's a nature trail on campus?". I could not believe that something so neat was just a few yards away from my classroom. The tall trees and overhangs made it perfect for picnics.
My next stop was at the Corkscrew Swamp. This trip was definitely my favorite. The day I went on this field trip it was a smoldering ninety degrees outside and not a breeze to be felt. At first I was completely dreading this long walk in the blistering heat. But from the moment I walked through the double doors, I slowed down. I stopped to look at the little things and sat at every park bench. The trail was filled with the tallest trees I have ever seen, and some of the loudest bull frogs I have ever heard. By the end of the trail I was dripping in sweat and covered in mosquito bites but I was still strolling with a smile on my face. The environment had completely melted my stress away.
Then, just this past week I made the trip to the cottage on Ft. Myer's Beach. I actually had the fate of coming at the exact same time as another Colloquium class and they were nice enough to let me join them on their field trip. As I sat in the cottage and listened the woman speak of the "old Florida", I couldn't help but think of how amazing it must have been. She spoke of a great childhood, playing in the Gulf of Mexico and seeing straight through to the ocean floor. To me the most appealing thing she said was how the community backs a lot of their funds. Before the trail there is a big sign of all the people who have made this place possible. I was completely in awe of how strong the community is and how they all see how important a place like this is.
My next stop was at the Corkscrew Swamp. This trip was definitely my favorite. The day I went on this field trip it was a smoldering ninety degrees outside and not a breeze to be felt. At first I was completely dreading this long walk in the blistering heat. But from the moment I walked through the double doors, I slowed down. I stopped to look at the little things and sat at every park bench. The trail was filled with the tallest trees I have ever seen, and some of the loudest bull frogs I have ever heard. By the end of the trail I was dripping in sweat and covered in mosquito bites but I was still strolling with a smile on my face. The environment had completely melted my stress away.
Then, just this past week I made the trip to the cottage on Ft. Myer's Beach. I actually had the fate of coming at the exact same time as another Colloquium class and they were nice enough to let me join them on their field trip. As I sat in the cottage and listened the woman speak of the "old Florida", I couldn't help but think of how amazing it must have been. She spoke of a great childhood, playing in the Gulf of Mexico and seeing straight through to the ocean floor. To me the most appealing thing she said was how the community backs a lot of their funds. Before the trail there is a big sign of all the people who have made this place possible. I was completely in awe of how strong the community is and how they all see how important a place like this is.
Incoming Reflection
I am a born and raised Southwest Floridian. I grew up in Naples and was practially raised on the beach. Even to this day I love to jump in the water and just dive under to see what life forms are swimming amongst us. One of my fondest memories in my childhood was when we went to The Keys for our family vacation. We went out on a boat and when snorkeling in the reefs. Being with all the fish, manta rays, and baracudas (yes, baracudas!) made life seem so simple. They just swam around going about their business and they seemed so happy. On the mainland everything gets so complicated and even to this day when I get overly worked up I just think of how soothing that experience made me feel, and I am back to normal.
After that snorkeling experience I realized how relaxing nature can be. So from that day on whenever I got anxious, I just went for a nice long walk on the beach. The feeling of the sand on my feet and the sound of the waves crashing gently on the shore made me feel so peaceful. No matter what was going on in my life, a sunset and the water on my feet could make all those worries melt away.
I am hoping this class can even further that love and appreciation I have for nature. I am graduating this spring and hopfully beginning my master's in the fall. With this comes a whole new set of stressors. I, of course, will turn to nature to help soothe my worries and I am hoping Colloquium will give me a completely different appreciation for the beauty around me. Maybe when I go for my long walks now I will see something I never noticed before and say "Oh, I learned about this in Colloquium", and forget about whatever it was that I was worried about.
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