Personal Journal #3 - The Wonders and Realities of Nature

For this, I did not need to go very far to experience the wonders of nature. Our back yard is virtually all woods, so I took a walk back to the deeper parts. It was just after an afternoon rain shower, and everything was damp and the birds were beginning to chirp again. It was nice just walking around and taking a step back from the modernized world for a moment. Being in and around nature is one of the most relaxing and uplifting feelings ever.

A fallen tree. Probably due to a storm, rotting, or old age.

There were about 3 of these holes within a few feet of each other! I'm guessing some kind of rodent or snake lives in here! Really cool to see up close!

Field Trip - Freshwater - UNF Nature Trail

I really enjoyed walking through the nature trail. We were hoping to go canoeing, but they were already rented for the day. It was very nice just to take our time, dip our feet in the lake, and walk around looking at all the different species the nature trail had to offer. I really liked seeing the raccoon paw print in the sand, I thought that was really cool. You can really get a feel for how everything works together and coexists in the habitat. It’s nice to see people still appreciate nature and working to preserve it and keep it as natural as possible.

Raccoon track!

Lots of lily pads

Red eared slider!

Map of the trails

Species Identification Near Freshwater

Jenny and I walked around the UNF lake and nature trails. We found many species that live in or near the freshwater lake.

^ These little minnows were at the bank of when we entered the lake.

^ Cow tails grew near the edge of the lake, needing to live near an abundance of water.

^ Snail found underneath the cat tails.

^ Red lilies

^ I believe this is a small, baby banana spider. It was hard to see through the sun, but I am fairly confident that the yellow and black stripes on the legs means it is a banana spider.

^ It was cool to see an Osprey hovering over the lake. The mascot for UNF.

^ A red eared slider swam up to us when we crossed a bridge. Probably hoping we had food.

^ I got a nice shot of the monarch butterfly that I found near the butterfly garden.

^ Pine cones filled the nature walk from all of the pine trees.

^ Fungus or mushroom

^ I spotted this as we were walking out. Pretty sure this is poison ivy.

^ Sunshine Mimosa

^ Coral Honeysuckle

They were growing Coontie! The plant mentioned in A Land Remembered that was used to make flour. It did actually feel kind of soft!

^Coontie.

Species Identification

A few days ago I saw a Barred Owl in the back yard. He literally was just staring at us and let us get super close to him. I was able to snag some pictures!

Urban Field Trip - 5 Points - Reflection

I really enjoyed walking around the small shops with Jenny. The town was very cute, and some parts even reminded me of St. Augustine, which is also an area rich in Florida history.  The monument in Memorial Park was really cool, and it was interesting to read about the history of it all and how it came to be. It’s nice to see that people are still nostalgic and like going to places that are not as modern and more old fashioned than we usually see these days. I really liked 5 Point and it would be a great place to have dinner in one of the old restaurants.

(click pictures to enlarge)

This is what one of the plaques on the statue read. The wings stand for courageous humanity in the chaos of war.

You can see the RAP sign on the right. Meaning limited renovations can be made.

Reading #14 - Reason to Hope

The stories in this chapter are pretty inspiring. From cities and civilizations that were nearing a complete collapse, to now being rescued and functioning once more, it really is uplifting. All too often we focus on horror stories, we talk about the animals that are now extinct  because of poaching or other ignorant tasks.

However, it is good to remember the successes that we've had recently. Although humans have done a pretty good job messing up the environment, not all hope is lost. I agree when we say that the future is really in the children. In order for us to hope for a better tomorrow, we need to teach today's children about the importance of conserving and taking care of our earth. We only have one, and we need to teach children to treasure it, in hope that we can protect it for many and many years to come.

Reading #13 - Rachel Carson

I think what Rachel says about the chemicals that are being released in the air is the most shocking. Strontium 90, which is released through nuclear explosions, comes down to the earth and even makes it's way into human bones where it stays for the entirety of that individuals life. Even with the recent Japan nuclear problems, it is easy to think that it doesn't effect us. But it REALLY does.

The radiation from those earthquakes is still circling the globe, and the radiation will never fully disappear for quite some time. Certainly after all of us are gone. It's a shame that people have resorted to extremely dangerous chemicals and pesticides. I hope that we can learn to use more, better, healthier alternatives and still get the results we want. She says that there is still limited awareness about the problems that harmful chemicals can cause.

Reading #12 - The Nature of the Everglades

I think the Everglades are definitely a national treasure. Something so unique, something that is home to so many diverse plants and animals should be treasured and protected. I think all of nature should be preserved as much as possible, and the Everglades should be high on the priority list. I have never been to the Everglades, but from what I’ve read and seen, it sounds like an amazing part of Florida that should be kept intact.

It also seems like an amazing tourist location. For those in the north, I’m sure people would love to visit to experience the tropical ecosystem that they have probably never seen or visited anything like it. I hope one day I can visit the Everglades. I really hope that the government, and others in charge do all they can to preserve the natural environment that is the Florida Everglades, and continue to teach all about the importance of it.

Reading #11 - Endgame, Michael Grunwald

I remember the infamous 2000 election very well for only being about 9 years old. I remember the debates, and the Florida voting debacle, even though I was in Ohio at the time. However, I have no memory if the Homestead Airport debate. I am shocked that I have never even heard about it.

I remember the debates, but I had no idea that Gore was actively in favor of building an airport on a large portion of the Everglades. I can understand why it was so controversial. I am thankful that the House had the mindset to not pass it and not put the Airport through. I can’t even imagine what would have happened if the Airport was built, right on the Everglades. I really just can’t even fathom why they would even think it would be a good idea to destroy the Everglades. The Everglades are home to many different species of plant and animal life. I feel like that would have had a horrible effect on not only the natural environment of Florida, but the entire world as well.

I am glad that the debate about the construction of the Everglades Homestead Airport ended up in not happening. It’s encouraging to see the government take control of important environment issues and not just set them aside and not care about them. I had no idea that this issue ever existed, but I am glad that it turned out not happening. I can not believe I had never heard of this, maybe the rest of the United States needs to teach kids about current issues better, even if it is not in their specific state.

Land Remembered - A forgotten time.

In at least two or three paragraphs, describe Southwest Florida to someone who has never been to your area. If you live outside this area, write about your own area. What was this area like in the past? How has the area changed over the years? Include specific examples of both good and bad impacts of environmental change and development. 

I am not completely knowledgable about Southwest Florida. To be honest, the location that I lived from age 5-16 is probably the area that I understand the best, so I will focus on this region. I grew up around Columbus, Ohio. Just being there for one minute and you can easily tell that it is completely different from Southwest Florida. In the past, there were corn fields everywhere. We had corn fields right next to our schools. The winters are harsh, and the summers are humid. I grew up in a typical midwest neighborhood. Small trees and plants are common. Unlike Florida, palm trees are non existent. Wild life is not as tropical or diverse.

Over the years, when going back for visits, I have noticed many changes. Many of the corn and open fields have turned into housing or apartment developments. On the outside, it makes the city look like a more modern, put together town. New stores have opened up, along with new roads. However, It is kind of disheartening to see the wildlife and agriculture fields diminish over time. This is one of the more negative affects I have seen recently. It’s a shame that these agriculture fields are disappearing in favor of more homes, businesses, and the like.

Reflect on these changes and make connections between what is happening in Southwest Florida and how this impacts you personally. Write about your own area if you live outside Southwest Florida. Copy your response and paste it into a word document.

Just like Southwest Florida, my small town in central Ohio has grown so much. From when we moved there around 1996 to what it is today, I believe much would be unrecognizable. There has been new schools, new roads, roundabouts, and shopping centers that have been built. Condos and small homes are replacing corn fields. Although the corn fields weren’t the most exciting things to look at, it is a shame that many are gone now.

Using insight from your readings, discussions, and field trips, focus attention on the future of Southwest Florida. Focus on your own area if you live outside Southwest Florida. Envision how place might look in years to come if no change is made. Compare this with how place might be if its people were to make decisions through an ecological perspective. Support your argument with references from the literature. Copy your response into a WORD document.

I really wish that Columbus could go back to it’s times in the 90’s and early 2000’s. In the past 5-10 years are so, much has changed. It saddens me that nearly all changes have been taking away nature and landscape and adding buildings all over. Although it wasn’t the most exciting city to live in, it is important for them to keep at least some of their agriculture. I don’t think that we appreciate what we have. We, as people, always want more. We want the newest clothes, the newest electronics, the newest stores, and the newest houses. The family in A Land Remembered didn’t have such luxury. The McIvey’s did what they could. They did what they needed to do to make ends meet. 

Back in older times, people were simpler. People appreciated what they had. They didn’t feel like they always needed bigger and better things. In a way, people had a better understanding of the environment. Similarly like the novel, the famous movie Pocahontas also taught us to appreciate the world and what we’ve been given. Native Americans were the ones that understood the entire concept of nature and the world. The world can only give so much. We can not just take and take and take. We must give back and replenish our earth. Eliminating agriculture and environment resources will not work long term.

Conclude with what might happen if you as an individual were to make a few changes. What would these changes be? How would they impact the area and why? How likely are you to make these changes? What would prevent you from making changes and why? Reflect on this and conclude. There are no right or wrong answers - be authentic and truthful with yourself. This is a reflection, not a dictate. Copy your response into a word document.

I think I would try to just reuse and recycle everything to its full potential. Rather than using water bottles, I think making a better effort to using a reusable container would be better. I recycle as much as possible, but sometimes find myself slipping a little in certain circumstances. Recycling is extremely important. I would also like to continue to volunteer to places in the environment. It seems as if I will be into something, but then after the class has ended I make excuses to somehow stop volunteering. I would like to continue, not just because it is a class requirement. Hopefully I can continue to find the motivation to keep going, and remembering that everything makes a difference.

Citation:

Smith, Patrick D. (1984). The Land Remembered. Sarasota, FLA: Pineapple Press.

Reading #10 - Reflection on Vandana Shiva

Vandana Shiva definitely makes several good points in her philosophy. I definitely understand when she says that "human beings are clearly highly ignorant of other members." All too often you hear of certain animals being endangered or extinct because of poachers that are only in it for the money. Humans, more often than not, take the earth for granted and act like they rule the world, instead of being part of the world.

I also liked what she had to say on the use of fertilizers and such. Yes, they may seem like they help, but really they are just society's quick fix when they have run out of patience. This stuff isn't good for the earth in the long run. In order for this world to work properly, everything and everyone needs to work together. Like said in The Lion King, we all play a part in the circle of life. She says that everything has a purpose, and the larger things can not and will not survive without the smaller things.

Shiva's philosophy is a nice callback to the old thoughts and ideas before fertilizers, pesticides, or medicines were even invented, and I happen to agree with them.

Personal Reflection on Ecological Footprint and Other Things

I filled this footprint out as is I was living in my parents house, which I currently am for the summer. Some of the water usage and conservation questions were tough to answer, but I did my best estimation. I remember my dad telling me about the eco friendly lightbulbs and the water conserving toilets. I am also a vegetarian, which lowers my footprint substantially. If everyone lived like me, we would need 4.08 earths. I wonder what the national average is.

Reading #9 - Tale of Two Farms - Personal Reflection

I think his speech was very interesting. The part where he talks about conflicting interests in a society made a very good point. All too much we assume that everyone has the same basic plans for how we want a society to run. However, the elitists sometimes want results now, short term, instead of creating a stabile long term environment. Diamond said "What's good in the short run for the elite is bad in the long run for the society as a whole. There's a real risk for the elite doing things that will bring the society down in the long run." I don't think elitists think about long run goals and environment. For big power houses, it's a 'what have you done for me lately' philosophy. They aren't as concerned about length of time as long as they have their results now.

It was also interesting to hear him speak about the different ways societies collapse. From climate shifts in Montana to overproducing of food, failed trading, and relationship with hostile societies nearly every society has a different reason for how and why they collapsed. Although he also says that there are definite patterns. Some cultural factors make it difficult to become a strong society, but political and economical strengths can power through.

You don't realize how many factors go into creating a stabile society. I've never really thought about how exactly societies that were previously strong become weak. I feel like Diamond has a very good grasp on how this develops, even though he admits that we do not have all the answers. We try to learn and grow as much as possible. However, he says our biggest threat is something we can do something about. The future is in our power.