Debriefing Entry #15

Colloquium was a very great experience and was a class unlike any other class I have ever taken. It's makes for a more meaningful learning experience when you actually get to go out to learn while visiting unique areas of Florida. During the course of this class I feel as if I have developed a deeper bond and tie to the area. I feel that I am more conscious of my environment and that I became more conscious of my own choices in daily life.

The class offered different perspectives on the same issues, and made me think heavily about where I stand and what I believe should happen. The class offered a wealth of information that I had fun analyzing and writing about as well. I enjoyed thinking critically and also enjoyed the hands-on and realistic approach the class took.

I am studying law so I was very intrigued to learn about some of the issues that have a tendency to halt more sustainable options in regards to laws and regulations. One area of law I am interested to learn more about is environmental law especially since there is a lot of nature vs. science out there and the two seem to be battling. There are so many parallels in law & environment, but sometimes what is good for us becomes lost to the realm of politics, which is not a good thing. Without laws and regulations in place respecting environmental concerns the chances for abuse would be too great. This is why it is important that we make good law in this area and realize that it should not be based too greatly in politics because these are not "political" issues per se, but should be considered in a light most favorable to human life and protecting life in general. While technology can contribute to the betterment of life, technology must also consider how to continue to do so in a way that won't compromise our environment.

While such things may not be a priority in the majority opinion, it is something which must now and forever be addressed. I can only hope that more people will realize why there must always be a balance. We cannot forgo responsibilities to the environment simply for our indulgences. There must be a balance that aims at ways to nourish the surroundings. In time, law and technology will be better at preserving and protecting our Earth and hopefully this won't be seen as a bad thing for companies or people.

One of the things I found most difficult about the colloquium was the Weather Makers portion of the class. The accompanying book was loaded with tons of information and sifting through it all made it difficult to digest. The high points of the class was going on trips, doing journal entries, class entries & participation, and all of the short papers.

Service Learning Experience, #14

 http://youtu.be/Efdlb1GV8Zo

I had the opportunity to work with a wildlife refuge and rehabilitation center located in Punta Gorda, Fl. The center is dedicated to the care and the preservation of native Florida wildlife. From the outside the place seems very peaceful and relaxed, but working there is a whole other story! The truth is that a lot of time, effort, and energy is spent in order to treat these animals. Suprisingly, even a small bird will cost over $100 in order to rehabilitate it back into the wild. Animals that cannot be rehabilitated will end up spending their life at the refuge because they will not be able to make it on their own. However, most of the animals will return to the wild and that is the goal of the wildlife center. I think it is fascinating that they operate as a non-profit organization and yet their jobs are so essential to conserving the species that end up there.
 
The reason why I chose this facility is because I love animals and I know why they are important to our environment.  Another reason why I chose this facility is because it's good morally to help give animals another chance at life. I also see it as one of our humanly responsibilities to look after the species. I think it is important that we learn how to coexist with these animals as well. The more you know about the animals that live here, the more concerned you will be about their survival and the less likely you will injure one accidentally, i.e. like when fishermen accidentally injure birds with their lines because they leave their lines out.

I learned that some of the animals that end up at the shelter are endangered such as indigo snakes, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and brown pelicans. The animals I wanted to care for in particular were the birds but in the end I got to care for all of the animals except for the raccoons, eagles, and the snakes! Working with these animals in particular was reserved for those with more experience.

All in all, there are many considerations that are given to the animals as they are recovering besides the basic needs of food, shelter, and water. Their environment must mimic that of their natural environment. This is very important if they are to survive in the wild again. This is why the animals are kept in habitats that are most suitable to their species. The staff must also be careful to not treat these animals as if they are pets although it can be quite tempting.

Working at the facility helped me to take better care of my own animals at home and it brought a smile to my face each day I got to help out. I also learned more about the animals, their habits, the foods they eat, how they nest, how they care for their young, how to help the injured animals, and the kind of shelter they need in the wild. The people working there were all very passionate about what they do and it had a good effect on me.



A beautiful mother heron with her young

   

Michael Grunwald Article #13

The excerpt of Michael Grunwald’s “The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise” can be an example of conservation policies for the future and also an example of the struggle between conservation of nature and man. The excerpt starts as a David vs. Goliath type of story with a small environmental group with little support money trying to save the “only everglades in the world” against the building of the Homestead Airport along with acceptance of the bill through numerous politicians. This story is a great example of the struggle of conservationism vs. urban development all over the country and especially in Florida. We need to realize what is more important to us, housing and development or conserving our ecosystem, there has to be a line drawn somewhere.

 After reading this excerpt I was also in favor for the restoration of the Everglades and against the building of the Homestead Airport. As the author brings up a good point in that there is only one Everglades, which is not worth taking for granted in favor of an airport, strip mall, or housing sub-division. This is something we’ve probably all recognized while living in Florida, especially during the housing boom. Do we want to put the ecosystem in danger so developers can build more and more sub-divisions and golf courses and attract a constantly growing population? This excerpt also made me realize all the political nonsense that environmentalists need to go through just to conserve the planet we all live in. Again, like in Leopold’s excerpt, it is a classic example of conservation vs. economics.

Leopold's Article #11

Soil, plants, & sunshine

After reading Aldo Leopold’s excerpt from “A Sand County Almanac”  I began to realize how the majority of the population views conservatism and was given some insight on what needs to be done to change people’s thought and actions regarding conservation of our environment. Since the environmental movement has been brought to our attention, the general population has been viewing the environment more as a business rather than the fragile land pyramid Leopold brings up where each part of the environment is part of an organized biotic structure. We’re looking at the environment economically as if it were a corporation and we’re all accountants trying to find the economic value in each resource, which tree or plant is more economically useful than the next one. The major problem with that approach toward the environment though is that you can’t use up one resource without affecting the other. The capitalistic approach to our land will benefit it’s people temporarily but cause problems for our environment in the long run and deplete us of our resources as well.

            I strongly believe in Leopold’s Land Pyramid theory which goes to show how delicate and complex the cycle of energy is in our environment. Using up one resource such as the soil in one particular area can restructure the circle of energy, having a domino effect on the whole ecosystem and destroying important plants and animals that are crucial to our environment. We can’t be picky about which resources we need to salvage because they are more economically important than the other 95% of  resources that have no direct economic importance to humans. In the future we will start to see more thorough education on environmental conservation and more accountability will be taken for people’s actions toward how resources are being used rather then just what makes more sense economically.

Exempt From Entry due to Downtown FT- Entry #12

Exempt From Entry due to Downtown FT-  Entry #12 omitted

Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Solar Parking Meters

It's been a while since I've been to downtown Ft. Myers. There are many places that are tucked away in areas I would never have thought to explore prior to the scavenger hunt. If you are just driving around in your car its very easy to miss how many new places there are. I didn't know about the art galleries that were here or about the Ichiban in the Hotel Indigo. One thing I did notice was that there were a lot of law firms scattered everywhere. The coolest law firm was the one that took over the old building that used to house First National Bank. Unfortunately I didn't snap a picture of it but it looked authoritative and noble, to say the least. A rather odd building that I spotted was a very skinny 3 story building which was occupied by a salon. This building really stood out from all the others and didn't fit in. I thought it was neat to see such an unusual building because it added character to the environment. Other buildings had old designs on them that you just don't see on modern buildings anymore, such as lions and other fancy looking things that would remind you of the Rennaisance period. I took a peak inside Space 39 and I liked how artistic it appeared to be, especially for being a bar. The tattoo shops were also neat to take a peak inside because they were also artistic. Every so often there was a particular sign that you would see along First St. The sign explains how the street used to be a sandy trail until it was paved with shells for automobiles to drive through. The downtown area didn't develope until the 19th century and tourism contributed to its growth.


Sign on First St.



I had such a fun time in downtown today that I plan to come back during a time when it is more busy and more places are open. It looks like it would also be a fun place to come to at night since there are several good looking bars and restaraunts.

I think the stores that have moved in, combined with the old-style buildings, is what makes the place special and unique. Even the dentists that have moved in have a different sense of style than the dentists you would find elsewhere. I think maybe the area brings that out of the tenants because perhaps that is a vibe that they sense from being here.



A glimpe inside the General Dentist office



Untold Stories: Downtown Ft. Myers

Ford, Edison, & Firestone

 I agree that preserving the history of an area is important. Seeing architecture of a time long past creates a sense of culture rooted in history. Besides, it's always fun to take that detour into the historical district of a city and just have fun exploring! It's been a while since I've been to downtown Ft. Myers and I am looking forward to going there perhaps tomorrow. It's also nice because it gives you a sense of history in relation to the present which, puts a dot on the map, so to speak.

 I've visited the Edison Estates once before and it felt nice to know that I was walking in what used to be the property of Thomas Edison. You can't really let things like that go to waste and be forgotten, especially when it's right here. It's hard to imagine what Ft. Myers would be like if such were the case and nothing was preserved at all. Downtown Ft. Myers has it's own little sparkle with a lot of potential if more retail businesses would move in. They've done a good job of renovating and making it look pretty. I used to sometimes go there to see how it has been developing.

 The area near the bridge in downtown that overlooks the water is such an amazing view. One can only imagine what life was like before roads were abound. I imagine life was quite difficult. Nowadays we have performing art centers, community colleges, and the newest university to join the state university system, FGCU. Though I can appreciate the history to get the point we are at now, I am definitely glad to be here today in this time. Yet, the area will only continue to grow, so it is best we think about the direction it should head while we remember it's past.

Dimming the Sun, Entry #9

You'd think that people were doing something right with reducing air pollution (aerosols). Then you find out that there are two competing counter-effects: global warming & global cooling. I had never heard of such a thing as global dimming, but at first it seemed to contradict the idea of global warming because they are opposite. Global dimming has a cooling effect. It can easily make someone think that global warming is not as threatening anymore or that it shouldn't be an issue. Yet there is evidence of global dimming in highly polluted areas of the world. Global dimming due to pollution in certain areas had blocked the sun from getting through and caused a decline in evaporation. Pan evaporation is where there is a decline in water evaporating yet the global temperatures are increasing, which alters rainfall. It almost seems like this has the potential to take the focus off of global warming altogether in a political sense. They are in a tug of war with each other, but both are bad and lead to horrible outcomes if not curbed. You can't really ignore one or the other. On the one hand, we can't necessarily compromise our health in order to make the two effects more even. The same looming problem is that we need to lower emissions, or get rid of them completely. I think this is the more feasible alternative. We already know that we can't keep pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. We can imagine the fate of the world if we don't stop. The peculiar thing about these two competing effects is that continuing to reduce aerosol, while at the same time we continue to increase C02, will lead to a disastrous rise in temperature. Sadly, I don't think it will be that easy to reduce CO2 because everyone is reliant on oil. We would have to go completely solar and use all electric cars. Oils are used to make just about anything, like plastics and rubber. Our lifestyle is one of convenience and over-indulgence. How do you change that!?

Rewriting the Science, Entry #10

I am not surprised about this video. Clearly, Bush didn't want oil to be regulated for various interests that are interrelated both politically and economically. Our society is just too dependent on oil and it drives our whole economy. Supporting anything that required urgency which limits the burning of fossil fuels would have created chaos. The alternative approach is a moderate one that relies on technology that slowly makes things more efficient. Yet the scientists said that this is an urgent situation and there is a great danger if we don't take action now.

 I don't think that it is right to label science as not sufficiently reliable especially when they know more about it than anyone else does on this planet. Those scientists are the ones who have devoted their lives to studying climate change. It does not seem ethical or legal to limit what a scientist has to say about something that effects the entire world. It is indeed a form of free speech. I don't understand how the White House's review process was able to get away with rewriting the science. In fact, I have never heard of such a screening process when it comes to a report or press release involving NASA scientists. No wonder they are angry, as I would be too. It makes sense when you begin to examine what the players in this game have to gain. For example, what does the scientist have to gain by over exaggerating a climate report versus what that particular lawyer had to gain? Turns out the lawyer was a former lobbyist for the American Petroleum Institute. No wonder he edited out some of the words that were in the report. His ethics must've went out the door when he took on this assignment because when a lawyer is practicing law (in the sense of representing people and making a case for them) they are not supposed to represent someone when there is a conflict of interest. In other words, the lawyer cannot represent someone if he/she has a financial interest or can gain in some kind of other way. I suppose that since he was a "former" lobbyist for the institution is what allowed this one to slip through. I only wonder if he had held stocks in any type of petroleum company at the time he edited those reports. Maybe then he would be in trouble because he would have had an interest in keeping the reports from potentially harming the petroleum companies. Then again, he is a lawyer so I am sure he found some way of limiting his liability for what he had done and it was all legal somehow.

 The wording is very important in every document when it comes to what lawyers do. In fact, it is something that I have been learning in my law classes. Every word has a meaning, and you have to be careful with how you word things. For instance, the word "may" leaves a choice. It may, or may not happen. It is not definitive. Yet when you use the word "shall" that means there is no choice. It is a definitive word meaning that you will do what it says. I am not surprised to learn that in the video the word "is" was changed to "may be." The word "is" is like the word "shall" in terms of the words meaning something absolute. Lawyers are taught two different standards of proof. They are beyond a reasonable doubt and preponderance of the evidence. Beyond a reasonable doubt means that there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever. This standard represents something which is unquestionable, that there is not one single contrary piece of evidence. This is the most difficult standard to prove. The latter means that the evidence proves 51% or more that someone is likely guilty. This is the standard that leaves room for doubt. The lawyer changed the word "is" to "maybe" because the topic of climate change had not been debated beyond a reasonable doubt. To this day there are many people with conflicting thoughts about it and many who deny it altogether. To use the word "is" means that there is absolutely no doubt that global warming is threatening. To change it to the word "may be" means that we realize it is threatening but we don't realize to what extent so that's the better word to use. The funny thing is that we can't definitively know to what extent until we reach the point we are able to look back and see it. For example, when there is a hurricane we realize that it's going to be disastrous if it hits people's homes, but can we ever really know exactly to what extent a hurricane is threatening? I don't think we can. I think it is the same thing with global warming. We can predict that if we delay our actions any further that something threatening will happen but we can't exactly know how threatening it will be. This is the loophole, and it is caused from that aspect of uncertainty. It is
also where the play on words occurs. I think that the two fields of study collided in a bad way.

 When everyone with power has the ability to rewrite science it makes you realize how dangerous a thing that is. I am not in any way against government because I know why government in necessary. We need laws in order for our society to run well and people need those guidelines both for their own good and for the good of others. However, we should always remember that people in government are people like you and me. As humans, we have the potential to lie, to cheat, to steal, to abuse, etc. I suppose that is our only weakness, that we are not perfect at all times. Don't take your eyes away.

Journal #8 As the World Burns

Promises kept and promises broken, such is the world of politics. A person running for a government office will often try to win over the people by promising new changes ahead. A President, though (he) may be forthright in his optimism of change by bringing forth new bills, will often be over-ruled by the Senate. This is the same reason why we had heard about climate change & the need for a new energy strategy, only to not hear much about it since. While it may have been a genuine priority for Obama to address climate change, it's not going to fully come to life when people with financial interests are preventing you from doing so.

Fortunately, an entire body of law exists specifically for environmental issues and thank goodness for that. For without it, this world would have already been destroyed.
Individual States are in the best position to regulate, and have the power to regulate, greenhouse emissions (air pollution) and not necessarily Congress. This is why there are now "no smoking zones" because the States are granted this police power. It is also the job of the EPA ,a  federal administrative agency, to carry out this function through directives of the President. The States do their part by incorporating elements of the Clean Air Act into their respective Statutes. This is much like giving the job to the best candidate who can carry it out.

As for the EPA's authority possibly being curtailed, there is certainly no case for that to happen. They are granted Constitutional authority to regulate greenhouse gases. In fact, it is their duty to do so and failing to do is a violation of human welfare. Since they have the authority to regulate emissions, and it is through emissions that global climate is changing, then they have been regulating global climate change through their efforts; and not necessarily through direct policy. In other words, even if they are not directly authorized by Congress to regulate global climate change, they have been doing so all along as an effect of regulating automobile emissions. Just because Congress does not regulate greenhouse gases does not mean that the EPA is not in a position to. The Clean Air Act, which was drafted by Congress, gives the EPA the authority to regulate "climate" in the event that it forms a “judgment” that such emissions contribute to climate change, as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases fall within the Act's capacious definition of “air pollutant.” Clean Air Act, § 202(a)(1), 42 U.S.C.A. § 7521 (a)(1)

Trip to ECHO, Ft. Myers

  ECHO stands for Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization. They are a non-profit organization in Ft. Myers, Fl. Their mission is to improve the lives of the poor, and reduce hunger, by teaching them how to utilize natural resources for farming. The idea behind it can be extrapolated from an old Chinese proverb by Lau Tzu which reads,

"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime"

Instead of simply giving poor people food, it is far better to teach them and equip them with the knowledge they need to sustain themselves for lifetimes.
  This was not my first trip ECHO but it was my first time taking a tour of the farm. When I had volunteered here last year I had a chance to help with the annual Farm Day, harvest the fields, work in the seed bank, and remodel an old house which would house interns. There are many different types of crops growing on the farm and their seeds are being collected in a seed bank. When I worked in the seed bank I was cleaning and sorting seeds that were going to be shipped to Africa. The seeds that are collected are an assortment of rare seeds that happen to thrive in harsh growing conditions. It is hoped that by introducing the seeds into areas where agriculture is difficult that it will diminish hunger as well as improve the soil. Of all the seed banks, ECHO's collection are one of largest in the world. In the event of a disaster, these seeds will come in handy.

  ECHO is basically a huge research farm where studies are being conducted on crops in order to gain a thorough understanding of the best farming methods. Everywhere you look you will find something different, from bamboo trees to rice.

Bamboo trees

The guide told us that bamboo trees do great in hot climates and that they have multi-uses and are very valuable. They also grow very quickly, up to about 16 inches daily.

Wet Low Lands Rice

The "Wet Low Lands Area" is where the system of rice is growing. This is actually part of a two year study in multiple locations that has been evaluating whether rice grows best in a flooded area, or a not so flooded area. Their research has determined that although it has been tradition to grow rice in floods in order to keep the weeds from growing, that you can actually produce more rice by growing in an area that is not so flooded. The right side of the rice is where it was growing in the wet land, and the left side of the rice is where it had been growing without as much water.



me at duck & talapia pond



After you pass through the bamboo trees you arrive at the duck & talapia pond. This is an area where the duck, fish, & water exist symbiotically. This means that everything living here depend on each other for survival. It is a system that is sustained all on its own and which is perfect for tropical climates.



ducks at the pond



another view of the pond



 As I had mentioned before, there are animals present on this farm such as goats, rabbits, ducks, and even worms. They act as helpers by providing manure for crops to grow and as tillers. The manure from worms can be turned into a tea to water plants as compost. The chickens will naturally dig and till out areas around crops. This lessens the need for techonology and electric power.



Goats at the goat house























The guide said that whenever they use irrigation pumps to deliver water without the use of electricity, it is an example of what they call, "appropriate technology." This basically means that you should use what you have in order to make what you need.

Irrigation pumps

Another technique is called drip irrigation which is a technique for irrigating crops that conserves water and reduces weed pressure.



The Miracle Tree: Moringa























Aside from learning about appropriate technology, we also got to learn about and taste several different plants. We were told that the leaves of the Moringa tree are highly nutritious.

Since the people living in poor countries are typically malnourished, a Moringa tree would be of great benefit to them. Virtually all parts of this tree can be used to aid in nutrition, which is why it is called the "Miracle Tree."

Another one of nature's miracles is the Neem. Neem seeds have both medicinal and non-medicinal uses.
Disclaimer: None of the claims contained herein have been evaluated by the FDA nor have the claims been documented by medical research. The information here is not intended to replace the care of a licensed physician. Please seek a medical professional regarding your medical decisions and health needs.

In the bookstore at Echo you will find Neem products for sale. Neem has been used to make creams, lotions, oils, insect repellant, soap, and toothpaste. One of the plants that the guide allowed us to taste was called Katuk. It didn't have a distinct taste, in fact, it reminded me of tasting a pea pod.

  It was a beautiful day to visit ECHO today and I learned a lot of different techniques for farming in all kinds of areas and conditions. Even in an urban environment one can grow crops. Plants don't always need to grow in the ground in soil. They can be grown in tires, in plastic bins, even in plastic bags and growing tables.

Photo of a "working" chicken.



Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Journal #7

I'm Right & You're Wrong

  While it is frustrating to have other people question or disagree with our point of view, I believe the other point of view is necessary to some degree. Problems are seldom solved based on a single approach, oftentimes problems require multiple minds working together. But they have to be willing to work together, and usually it's always easier to work with people who think such as yourself. I don't think people should only seek out others who are like themselves to work with. After all, we are not all the same and we must learn to live with and interact with each-other. In fact, I would go so far as to conclude that our own future survival depends on whether or not we will be able to work together and set our differences aside.
  We all see the world differently and have had different experiences that there is no way that we will ever be uniform in thinking. This is something we should just accept and something that we should be appreciative about. We don't all share the same logic either and what makes "sense" to someone will make no sense to another, and that's OK. What it doesn't mean is that we should always be at polar ends with one another to the point of lunacy. In situations where we need to work with each other, I think we should first be open-minded and willing to listen to other points of view. I think that it is possible for two very different people with two very different perspectives to reach a consensus. However, I think it is not possible until we drop our ego's. I think it is our ego which causes us to lose respect for other viewpoints when it contradicts our own. It seems as if we are always trying to prove someone else wrong because in doing so we might make a name for our-self. Again, this is the desire of the ego; the need to feel smart and important and better than everyone else. If we were to drop trying to prove the other party wrong, then I think we could focus on the real issue's and work together.
  In terms of cognitive dissonance theory, I see it all the time and I think it's a very human response to how we deal with our concept of self. I think that once we have our values and beliefs concretely in place it becomes hard to change them. Then again, people can be easily persuaded, but it's most commonly done with rhetoric and not scientific evidence! Sometimes it is more about the show than it is about the facts of the matter. This is what troubles me the most. I'm not troubled about people who don't agree with me, I am more troubled by the people who fall for a false truth.
  Also, we are creatures of habit due to the comfort that we find in it. Thus, once we are in our comfort zone we don't want to leave it for something that appears contradictory. When we perceive things to be a threat we put up a wall and close off our minds, we may even stop listening because we don't want to hear it. Even when common sense tells us that we are wrong and we should stop a certain behavior, sometimes we rationalize it in order to keep doing it for some small satisfaction we derive from it. Part of thinking logically and being able to arrive at the right conclusion comes from being able to recognize a sound argument. Equally important is the other end of the spectrum willing to question the logic and examine how we arrived at that particular answer.

Six Degrees Could Change the World, Journal Entry #6

  Prior to watching this video I never gave much thought about the climate of the world. Probably because I'm so busy and consumed with other things that take up my day to day life. Besides, when I think about a change in temperature of about 1-6 degrees, I conjure up ideas about how the weather does and can change that much. In just about any environment, the "weather" is not the same on a daily basis. So at first it doesn't appear to be something that we should be concerned about because we are used to the varying temperatures. I suppose we just get so accustomed and used to the way things are that we can't imagine them any differently.
  For the most part, life on Earth seems pretty consistent with occasional disasters- nothing that we can't deal with anyways. Well, this may be so when you examine things in the short term. However, a different picture is painted when you examine things in the long term. Although a temperature change doesn't seem like much now, over a span of time it can add up to serious consequences for life on Earth with an end result we might not be able to survive. The truth is that we simply were not alive during the times when the planet was undergoing harsh ecological changes of the past. We only came about once the "climate" was right for us, and the inverse is true as well.
  Since the making of the film it seems as if there have been more natural disasters, such as the tsunami in Japan. It makes me wonder if the reason why we are hearing about more tornado's is because of global warming? If so, does that mean that the weather will increasingly become worse and worse? Is this the kind of world we want to live in?
  It's surprising to me that there is controversy over the role we play in global warming. Do people really think that scientists are lying to us or that their research is incorrect? I think it's as obvious as witnessing a cause & effect. I can't imagine why people would want to skew information that deals with our own survival. This is what doesn't make sense to me. It also reminds me about how a stop light at a busy intersection will not be put up only until someone dies there. Or about how the police often will not bother placing a restraining order on someone you believe has the capacity to cause harm to you, unless and until, they have taken a substantial step towards committing an action. The problem is that people don't tend to do anything until it's too late, or they don't believe or think there is a problem because they don't see the effects. For example, people still smoke although we all know that it is directly related to causing cancer. One might not get cancer or suffer any effects until 15-25 years down the line, but it's no reason to smoke because it's only making your outlook of survival worse. I compare it to global warming because it's similar in the sense that it will add up to a horrible end result over time. It's a sad world when people fail to believe the science we have nowadays and fail to make the connections back to ourselves. I don't want to imagine a world that ignored the signs in thinking that the world will somehow recuperate on it's own accord.

Diamond's Article #5

Diamond discusses the comparative method in order to gain insight about the causes of a failing society. By comparing societies of the past with other similar societies you can draw conclusions on what led them to fail or succeed. Noting in particular that one cause has to do with ecological problems. Past societies contributed to their own collapse because they had damaged their environment too much and exhausted their resources.
In a sense, a society can choose whether it succeeds or fails by the choices it makes. A society that does not utilize its environment properly can be just as doomed as one which mistreats it. It's all relative to what we do with what we have and how we use it. Generally, my contention is that what's good for the world should be what's good for me, however, the choice is not always that simple. It seems like only recently products on the market have begun to advertise it's goodwill. Every now and then you will see a product with a label on it that reads "when you buy this product you are supporting wildlife" or "5% of the money from this purchase goes towards saving the forest." It takes a smart consumer, someone who is alerted to the troubles the world is facing, to support the companies who will support the environment (and other issues). This is how the modern world will most effectively change it's course. It won't happen without awareness and action, by action I mean that when you go out there you are thinking. You aren't being misled by the politics and advertisements trying to get you to buy their product although they have some of the worst business practices on earth. I think if more people simply "tune-in" the world won't be such a bad place. After all, history only repeats itself if we let it.

Trip to Ding Darling

The reason why Ding Darling exists is to protect the wildlife and to make sure that it doesn't go extinct. The way to do this is to protect their habitat and ensure that there aren't too many disturbances. In the wildlife refuge it's the animals that come first and the people second. Many of the activities here are set up in a way which will not disturb the wildlife. The tram tour is one such activity that does not disturb the wildlife. I had the opportunity to go on a tour on the tram here at Ding Darling today.
(Photo taken while on the tram overlooking the water where the park pumps water in & out)

While on the tram tour I learned a lot about the importance of the Mangrove Estuaries. The mangrove is a tree that is plentiful in the refuge and grows only in the shallow salt-water. The guide had explained that the mangroves here are the most productive place for life on our planet, especially for fish. He said that 80% of fish rely on the energy in the estuaries. Algae, bacteria, and plankton feed off of the the leaves that fall from the mangroves into the water. This is the reason why the fish are here, and the fish are why the birds are here and this is how the whole ecosystem relies on the mangroves. A couple interesting facts about the mangroves is that it is the only tree that can live in salt water and it is an adaptation that took millions of years. Also, the Fl mangroves are illegal to cut down. One other reason why the mangroves are important is because mangroves will absorb 60% of wind and wave action. The reason for this is due to their massive root system which keeps them anchored tightly so they cant uproot. Consequences of no mangroves would be a loss of life for the animals that rely on them for food and shelter, a loss of agriculture and nutrient rich top soil.
(Photo's of the Mangrove Estuaries)

I was given binoculars at the beginning of the tour so I can spot the birds of the refuge. The bird I saw the most of were the Ospreys. They had been flying in the air hunting around the water for fish. They also had a nest that we were able to see them fly into. Osprey nests are common at the refuge and are identified by their white head with darker brownish markings. They are easy to mistake for a Hawk because they appear similar to an Osprey. Both are birds of prey.
(Photo of an Osprey nest)

Among other birds I spotted were the Great Egret, Double Crested Cormorant, Reddish Egret, Little Blue Heron, and a Magnificent Frigatebird. We were told that the reason why bald eagles are in small numbers at the refuge is because they require a huge territory of land.

The last place I visited was the visitor's center. There were many displays to look at and neat interactive displays as well. One display showed how other countries around the world have used endangered animals as part of their medicinals. For example, China in the past has used Rhinoceros tusks and parts of a Tiger in their herbal remedies. Anyone trying to import endangered species products into the U.S. will have those items seized at customs. We are a country which has signed a pact against such practices.

Trip to Corkscrew Sanctuary

Rain water is the only water which feeds Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. There aren't any springs or lakes. There is a natural flow to the way life works around here. When it rains heavily, the swamp comes to life and new plants will spring forth. During the dry seasons, the water levels go down. When water is scarce, many of the mammals that are present here hang around the only bodies of water that remain present. I saw a Great Egret, an Anhinga, a Turkey Vulture, a Red-shouldered Hawk, an American Alligator, and a little Blue Heron all hunting for fish and other creatures in such an area. Yet in order for these animals to survive here, they rely on the shade of the many tall trees and berries from plants like the Saw Palmetto. Many of the wildlife here depend on the plant life as a food source. Animals such as raccoons and deers can be found during summer months eating from plants. The ecosystem here is both natural and ideal for the many different species of wildlife that live upon the land. (Below is a photo of a bird wading through water fern and water lettuce. There is also an American Alligator present).

Corkscrew Sanctuary stands protected from human demolition of water flow. As I mentioned previously, there is a natural ebb and flow of water here. Yet when humans populate an area, they interrupt the water flow that the animals need to survive. In the past, many of the storks died out almost to the point of extinction. There was also a sign along the entrance way showing that they also used to be hunted for their feathers because it became fashionable for ladies to wear them in their hats. Today we realize the importance of aquatic ecosystems and preserving what's left.

One of the things I noticed on my trip is that there is a lettuce lake.Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a floating aquatic plant that grows in the water. I learned that this plant is important for wildlife when water levels are low because they take shelter underneath its leaves. The lettuce lakes are an excellent place for wildlife to find food as many creatures such as Crayfish, mosquito larvae, and Plankton live below it.
(Below is a photo taken in front of the lettuce lakes).

While I walked along the 2 mile boardwalk I also noticed many trees. Some of which had Strangler Figs (Ficus aurea) growing upon them. Stangler Figs, so named because they literally strangle a host tree, can sometimes end up killing the tree they wrap themselves around. One peculiar thing about Strangler Figs is that they can grow from the ground up like a normal tree, but can also grow from the top down! Many birds will eat the fruit that grow along its branches.
(Below is a photo I snapped of a Strangler Fig. At Corkscrew, it is said that the frost limits strangler fig growth and they do not kill their host trees).

Near the end of the boardwalk I came across a majestic lookout area. The view here was amazing and a feelings of euphoria came over me. I felt happy, peaceful, inspired, intrigued, and relaxed.
(Photo taken at the lookout area).

The last thing that I saw just before leaving for the day was the area called the Living Machines. The goal with the living machines is to, "introduce sustainable alternatives to conventional waste disposal, fuel production, heating and cooling, air purification, and food production." (Guterson) The sewage from the restrooms here at Corkscrew is essentially recycled and put to good use by introducing it back into the cycle. The sewage provides food for the microorganisms whom are at the bottum of the chain. It is a process that is "ecogologically engineered" by "combining living organisms- chosen specifically to perform certain functions- in contained environments." (Guterson). Living Machines are a wise choice to help maintain diversity, nutrients, ecosystems, and many other organisms & their environments. So instead of sending the sewer down a septic system where it becomes contaminated, it's used to feed organisms that clean it naturally. There are several stages of cylinders containing inhabitants which the sewage water will pass through. The end result will be water which has now been cleaned naturally and can be put back into the toilets.
(Below is a photo of a sign explaining Living Machines in front of the area where the living machines are)

All in all I had a pleasant time visiting the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary today. I learned a lot and I also got to see an alligator catch a huge fish!

Sources:
Guterson, Mary.  Living Machines.  "Putting Human Waste Back in it's Place: at the Bottum of the Food Chain."

Healing Earth's Scars: Journal Entry #4

  
  It's never too late to begin caring for the environment, but I think it begins with having a sense of goodwill. Yet not all of us have an innate sense of goodwill. Oftentimes people succumb to their own laziness, haste, or reckless behaviors to even bother.

Luckily, people have the ability to change their ways and shape their own attitudes and beliefs although the process is not always easy. I think goodwill can be built up through education and access to correct and accurate data. When people begin to see the effects and consequences their actions have on the planet, they might then begin to care.

However, it takes more than just focusing on the past and present. In order to really understand the importance of preservation, one must be able to analyze how our actions impact the future. They must understand "why" it is good in the long run and for future generations. The trouble is that not many people think about doing what's best for the planet and future generations, they only care about what's best for themselves right now. If everyone thought this way we would have probably terminated our own existence by now.


Oftentimes companies decide not to go "green" because it's not cost effective. Afterall, businesses are in business to make money. Why should a company go green if it's not within budget? This demonstrates the type of thinking in the "now" that I mentioned previously versus thinking about the future. I think a smart company would consider the type of impact they could make upon their customers if they went green and began utilizing environmental services that are offered locally. Not only will this demonstrate goodwill, but it will also inspire other people into doing the right thing as well. I, for one, would rather support a company that is in tune with protecting the environment. One need not already be in the "green" market either. Many companies, such as Coca-Cola, are committed to protecting the environment and have found practices which benefit suppliers, customers, & consumers.

There's a tendency to never love a good thing until it's gone, but we cannot afford to lose our vitality to our own ignorance.

What is Biodiversity and Why is it So Important?

  Bio means life and diversity means a variety or range of different things. Diversity is important because it promotes the idea that no one living thing is above another. Diversity values that every being is to be respected for their uniqueness and respects the idea that we all have something special to bring to the table. All one must do to see biodiversity is to look around because Earth in and of itself is diverse. Each thing differs slightly from another, no two trees or plants are exactly the same. People have unique fingerprints, genes and dna.

Society has at least determined, in an ethical sense, that diversity in the workplace & school contributes to its' overall success. The idea is a simple one: There are many different types of people on the Earth and we all need to get along with one another. Therefore, a diverse student body will prepare students to work with different types of people and cultures. Having a diverse workplace could mean more potential business by reaching foreign markets with ease of communication.

Ethically, philosophically, and legally it has been quite easily understood why we should preserve the diversity of humans. Yet it seems as though we have neglected the importance of maintaining the diversity of other life-forms. The reason is probably because we view them as being "lower" life-forms that are only alive for our own sake because they make up our food supply, and afterall, we are at the top of the food chain. Since we are the privileged species we now have a license to breed animals to a life of pain then slaughter so our stomachs feel full. For quite some time people used to joke about animal rights but eventually a majority realized that ethical treatment for animals is a human responsibility. I'm not saying we should not eat living things. That idea is just not natural when you consider the food chain & other wild animals. What I'm saying is that I disagree with driving species into extinction when it is not necessary and when the means for food production are not ethical.

Perhaps at one point in time there were many different varieties of fruits and vegetables we could eat and humans were healthier overall due to the varied nutrients consumed therein. It's been recognized that, "supermarkets around the world essentially offer three types of apples: a red one, the Starking, from the USA; a yellow one, the so-called Golden Delicious, also from the USA; and a green one, the Granny Smith or pippin, from Australia (Vellve, Saving the Seed, 1992) (See Also, Vandan Shiva, What is Biodiversity and Why is it Important? pg. 48, par.3). The dwindling of the variety found in our fruits and vegetables should be an alarming cause for concern. Humans are biological beings, which are organic and our bodies need natural, whole & raw foods. Things that are synthetic or acidic in quantities which are too high will eventually kill us, so too will things that contain dead nutrients or not enough of a variety of nutrients that the human body needs for survival. Also, over reliance upon pharmaceuticals should be obvious, but there is a lot more at play which has been covertly shaping the way we think of health in terms of "curing" and "treating." Suppose that all sickness really stems from is a lack of nutrient rich food, and not enough diversity in our foods.

The bottum line is that science and technology must have it's limits when dealing with biological things. We were never meant to eat a genetically modified apple, when the apple was already perfected by design at it's own inception. When people have tinkered too much with nature, nature strikes back with disease and pests. This is why biodiversity is important for the stasis of life.

Strange Days on Planet Earth

We are basically all one species relying upon one another, and the role each
plays, for survival. This is what is meant by the circle of life whereby
smaller organisms, plants, and animals depend upon other bigger animals for
their own survival. Humans are included in this equation too, but I think
sometimes people have a tendency to forget just how much we need plants and
animals around for our own health and survival.

There’s a delicate balance at play, and over time species begin to die out
once this balance is disturbed. The video evidenced this by the disappearance
of the wolves from Yellowstone and it’s effects. The wolf was once a top
predator of the elk, but once people pretty much drove the wolves into
extinction the elk began to over eat all the plants. This occurred because the
elk no longer had any predators and naturally over-populated and ate until the
landscape turned baron. In effect, the ecosystem was thrown off balance and
once the food sources were gone so too were the animals that once lived there.
What had been determined was that there’s a link between the absence of wolves
and the absence of trees. Once people got the idea to bring the wolves back
then the trees began to grow again.

Among other top predators are bears, tigers, whales, and groupers. In
particular, groupers are linked to the coral reefs and play an important role
in the ecosystem of corals. When their numbers decline it contributes to the
destruction of the reefs. When smaller fish rampantly deplete the coral, other
sea animals that depend upon the coral will no longer have a food supply.
Over-fishing by fishermen are mostly to blame, but they’re not entirely to
blame, because If people didn’t care to eat so many fish then there wouldn’t
be so many people fishing for them. Yet, in a world that’s driven by the
dollar, these things go unnoticed until people become aware and seek to make
laws aimed at protecting our animals. It should not take extinction or a
catastrophe to realize that changes should be made.

In closing, though we might not be able to live with predators, we certainly
won’t be able to live without them.

Sense of Place

I've only lived in two states my entire life. Two very different states that are on opposite coasts: California and Florida.

When I first moved to Florida some of the first things I noticed about it was that it was very hot, dry, people looked orange, it's flat, beaches, bugs, and strange animals. It was quite a drastic contrast to compared to Northern California where people are pale, the weather is cool, there are mountains, and not many pesty bugs.

At first I didn't think that I would be able to find anything to enjoy about living here in Florida. Mostly because the tempo was different. I got used to a fast-paced, cemented environment with buildings everywhere. Afterall, I was used to being a city slicker and thought it was fun to navigate my way through the concrete jungle whenever I happened to be in the "big city" (San Francisco).

Things in Florida were just way too different. When I slept at night I could actually hear crickets, and not the sound of the Cal-Train thundering by.

Now that it has been several years later and I am still in SW Florida I've realized just how special it is here. I feel more connected to the surroundings because they are "natural" surroundings. My back patio has a view to the lake where many different animals such as alligators, birds, and turtles have found a home.

I've had the opportunity to do things here that I never thought to do while I was living in California. Perhaps the surroundings here just enlivened that part of me that wanted to visit and explore the local beaches, state parks, and to actually go out kayaking just so I can be in the sun and on the water.

Although living in California made me aware of the "environment" due to all the efforts California has made towards protecting the environment, green efforts, etc...  It was actually Florida that made me begin to feel "connected" towards the effort. The most logical explanation I can say this is so would be because of all the wildlife, plants, and bodies of water. It seems to me that there is actually more to protect here. Whereas California has buildings or houses on just about every square foot of land, Florida has a lot of undeveloped land. I would even bet the air is better to breathe here and there is less toxicity.

Yet the future still depends on us and what we do with the resources we have while we still have them. I think one must first have to appreciate and love plants, animals, life & nature before one begins to actively do things towards their preservation. But how do you get people to care who don't? I think a lot of it has to do with the experiences we have where we live and what we are surrounded by. Something as simple as rescuing a baby mockingbird who has fallen from a nest into a busy street might awaken someone to the importance of wildlife preservation. Yet what about that person whose only experience with wildlife comes from the zoo with animals in cages & behind glass. Might they not care as much? Experiencing these things hands on and being a part of them is perhaps where it begins.

A photo of a baby mockingbird.