Reading # 16 - The Land Ethic

                According to Leapold, the land ethic is based on symbiosis (a relationship of mutual benefit or dependence).  He asserts that ethics are a part of the ecological evolution.  The first ethic deals with individuals (the Golden Rule).  The second ethic is a land relation based on what humans can get from the land (strictly economic).  The land-relation ethic evolved into the ecology of the human environment. 

                Leopold maintains that "land as a community" will steer the future course of events.  He argues that the only way this will come about is through education, and responsibility of the landowner.  The paradigm of conservation based solely on economic  terms will continue to falter.  Loepold refers to the land ecology as a "biotic pyramid" which releases energy, whereby population density is actually viewed as a positive instead of a negative.  A "revolt against these modern trends"  is necessary for the land ethnic to continue evolving.

Field Trip: Urban Envrinment - Coral Springs, Florida

Throughout my field trip I went with my sister, Elizabeth and stopped at the Coral Springs museum located in Mullins Park. It was interesting to learn about the place we have lived for nearly 18 years and all the history behind each road and building. After we went to the museum, we stopped at the Covered Bridge and had a picnic on the lawn next to it. We both found it a little amusing that we pass the bridge every day, sometimes more than once, and we have never stopped to think about its significance. This field trip taught me the importance of a stable community and how very fortunate I am to have been raised in such a wonderful atmosphere.

Reading #14 - Reasons for Hope

Reading Healing Earth's Scars: It's Never Too Late by Jane Goodall, Gail Hudson, and Thane Maynard was definitely unlike the majority of the articles in University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future. The authors optimism flourishes throughout the reading as he gives reasons to not give up on saving the environment. Although there are several listed stories about peoples dedication and success in restoring an area of lost hope, I unfortunately don't think that it is enough to save the children of tomorrow. Although I do believe that the global community has made the environment a high priority, it's not high enough. One factor that can contribute the awareness of the environment is to use positive reinforcement, much like the reading Healing Earth's Scars: It's Never Too Late. Every time the environment is talked about it usually is associate with negativity. Positive interactions with the environment and its people can inspire citizens with hope.        

Reading 13 - A Fable for Tomorrow & The Obligation to Endure

The first article I read by Rachel Carson, A Fable for Tomorrow, was an interesting way to put our future global environment in perspective. The unique approach was certainly entertaining and educational. The way she grabbed my attention with her underlining meaning made me like her article even more. Her main focus was if sustainability isn't achieved before the result of deterioration occurs then there isn't much hope of the environment. This article relates to our environment because now is the time to save our earth and reconstruct the damages of our previous living.
Rachel Carson's second article, The Obligation to Endure, was an interesting view about pesticides and other damaging chemicals. Not only was it an enjoyable read, but it was also very informative. There were a few quotes that stuck out, one being "Man can hardly even recognize the devils of his own creation." This was said by Albert Schweitzer who was quoted in the article and was used to emphasize how dangerous the current produces are because of the chemicals used. Additionally, Carson noted that there are over 500 new chemical that the human body has to adapt to each year. That point was absolutely mind blowing because I knew that there were chemicals added to our foods, but never had I thought about what kind or how it can affect our body. Usually, people are worried about general foods that are good or bad, but now we have to worry about the chemicals used on our foods.      

Field Trip: Marine Environment - John Pennekamp

I went to John Pennekamp with my family to explore the marine environment. We went snorkeling and explored life underwater. During our time in the ocean we saw interesting species like needle fish and artifacts like an underwater shipwreck. Our trip got cut short because the weather started acting up and a thunder storm was well on its way. After we were done swimming around, we walked to the museum and talked with the volunteer about John Pennekamp. It was unanimous decision that as soon as we get scuba certified we are going back to explore all that John Pennekamp has to offer.               

Field Trip: Agricultural Environment - The Girls Strawberry U-pick Farm

I went to The Girls Strawberry U-pick farm with my best friend, Val, my sister, EB, and her friend, Andrea. We spent the whole day walking around the farm, picking strawberries, taking pictures of the animals, and talking to the employees about the farm. All of their products are organic and hydroponically grown because they want to conserve and sustain all their nutrients. With the strawberries we picked, we all went home and make strawberry shortcake. We also compared and contrast the size and taste of natural strawberries from genetically enhanced strawberries.