Blog #7 - Genetically Modified Eucalyptus

     As a concerned, eco-aware citizen, I have some strong opinions about the introduction of genetically engineered (GE) eucalyptus trees on the campus of FGCU.  Eucalyptus tress are fast growing hardwood trees indiginous to Australia.  Their pulp is perfect for making paper.  Eucalyptus tress have very dense, heavy limbs, and oily leaves.  The oil is extremely flammable, can be used for cleaning and as a natural pesticide.  These trees utilize up to twice as much water as other hard wood trees, and have been used as mosquito control in some areas, due to their 'swamp draining' abilities.

    ArborGen states that their GE trees are great in many ways, including more wood per acre, thus freeing up more acreage for naturally occuring trees, they have been engineered to not need as much water as other eucalyptus, and they are very fast growing.  ArborGen is affiliated with three large paper companies, International Paper, MedaWestvaco, and Rubicon Ltd.  Being able to produce more wood per acre, in a much faster time frame is a benefit of GE trees. 

     From a biocentric aspect, I feel that all living things have a value of their own.  There is a reason they are the way they are, and their value lies in their naturalness.  From an ecotentric aspect, species and ecosystems have an intrinsic value of their own.  They are valuable the way they are, and should not be artifically altered.  There are concerns with violating the intergrity of species.  I feel that if these trees were meant to grow in a cold environment, they would be able to tolerate it naturally.

    Concerns that I have extrinsically are the potentially for the impact on the environment.  FGCU is very close to the Everglades.  Water conservation is of great concern in the Everglades.  These trees are known as 'invasive water suckers'.  They are planted to drain swamps.  If they spread beyond the confines of the campus, it could be disastorous for the Everglades, and for the population of south Florida.  The oil eucalyptus trees produces is very flammable, and has been cited as fueling wildfires.  The Oakhills Firestorm of 1991 was said to be fueled by the scores of eucalpytus trees in California. 

 Since their introduction to California, these trees have been implicated in the decrease in biodiversity of native plants, birds, and animals.  The longhorned beetle was brought into California on a sapling, causing widespread destruction.  With no natural predators, the beetle flourished.  Then someone decided to introduce the syngaster lepidue wasp to kill the beetle.  Now we have three non-native species in California.  What implications does this have long term?  What native plants and animals will be destroyed because of these GE trees?  If they grow so quickly, are hard to get rid of, spread fast, and are now freeze tolerant, who is to say they won't take over the US?  The kudzu is an example of an invasive plant that has flourished.  The threat to SW Florida is great if this GE tree were to spread.
     I don't feel that the benefit of these trees outweighs the risk.  I feel that money from the paper companies is the driving force.  I do not believe there are any reasonable steps to be taken to mitigate the risk from these invasive trees.  Corporate greed cannot be allowed to dictate responsible ecology.

Blog #6 ECHO

I am a distance learner at FGCU, living several hours away, on the east coast of Florida.  I decided to take the drive to Ft. Myers to visit ECHO, and I am so glad that I did!  ECHO is an amazing place!  I was impressed with the entire organziation.  I did a bit of research about ECHO before going there, so I knew a bit about what they do for the people of temperate climates around the world. 

So many things stand out from my trip to ECHO.  I was very interested in the talapia pond.  I love the synergy between the ducks, the pond and the talapia.  The amount of food that can be obtained from this simple pond is amazing to me.  The ducks live in an enclosure above the pond, that is open slats on the bottom, allowing their waste to drop into the water.  The ducks lay eggs, which people can gather and eat.  The ducks themselves can be eaten.  The waste from the ducks is consumed by algea in the pond.  Talapia eat the algea.  The Talapia can be eaten by the people.  What a great example of permaculture.  Everything gives something to it's adjacent element. 

I was also very excited to hear about the Moringa plant.  This plant is amazing!

Pound for pound, Moringa contains:

• 3 times the iron than spinach
• 4 times the calcium found in milk
• 3 times the potassium of bananas
• 2 times the protein found in yogurt and almost the same amount of protein found in eggs
• 7 times the vitamin C of oranges

It's seeds can be ground up and placed in water.  This water will be 96% pure within a few hours!  The moringa purifies the water by binding with impurities, including bacteria, found in the river water.  The impurities sink to the bottom of the jar.  Simply pouring the water through a cloth to filter it then makes it safe to drink.  Leaving the water in a plastic container out in the sun for a few hours will purify it even more!  With water born illnesses like diarrhea affllicting the majority of people world wide, this can be a true life saver!

I was also very impressed with the urban gardens, grown in tires, on rooftops, etc.  There was just so much to see at ECHO, each part more impressive then the first.  Their work is very relevent to the developing world.  They give volunteers the tools they need to go out to these countries and teach the people living there how to grow food, how to use appropriate technologies to better their lives, and how to give their families and communities what they need to thrive.  I think the fact that ECHO doesn't give out their seeds for planting crops, but instead gives out samples that can be used to increase knowledge is very important.  The people in develping countries need to be given the knowledge and support necessary to grow food and provide for their families.  They do not need to be given everything...they need to be empowered to help themselves.  I feel that is very important.

What I saw at ECHO is very different from what I have seen at other American farms.  There is a lot more syngery seen here.  There are so many innovative ways to grow food, in so many different environments.  American farms that I have seen grow one crop, in long rows, using machines to cultivate the land.  ECHO teaches people to use what they have available to grow the food they need.

Another thing that was impressive to me was the appropriate technologies that are used.  Being a nurse, I was excited to see the simple hand washing station.  Using an old degergent bottle, a piece of rope, a small piece of wood and a bar of soap hanging in an old pair of stockings, an appropriate handwashing station is born!  That alone can cut down on so many disesase!  Appropriate technology allows people around the world to use what they have available to produce techonologies that improve their life.  These technologies are environmentally friendly, and very low cost.  Some examples I saw at ECHO include the hand washing station mentioned above, as well as the Fireless cooker, the Rocket Stove to use for cooking, a pump operated by a bicycle, to a zero graze unit for goats.

If I lived in SW Florida, I would definately be interested in volunteering for this organziation.  I can appreciate their vision, and think they are making a huge difference in the world.  I like what I read in one of their pamphlets, "do not do for the farmer what you can teach him to do for himself".  Perfect!

Blog Entry #5 Sustainable Farming

What is sustainable farming?  It's not something I had thought about prior to taking this course.  Now, I think I will be much more aware, and will enlighten others to the benefits of sustainable agriculture.  There are three major elements of sustainalbe farming.  1) Social, or community.  The products of the farming should be locally grown, and should be abundant for the community.  2) Economic.  The farms must be viable, and they must provide affordable food for the community.  3) Environmental.  The farms should reduce harm to the environment, decrease energy use and erosion, provide fertile soil, minimal use of water to function, and provide genetically diverse crops.  It sounds like a lot, but with some research and education, it is not only possible, but should be preferred.

The ecological principles that are woven into the framework or sustainable farming are those used in permaculture as well.  They include adaptation, behavior, diversity, emergent properties, engery flow, growth and development, limits and regulation. 

Permaculture relies on synergy between all elements used.  It is modeled after natural ecosystems, whre the product of one element feeds the needs of adjacent elements.  One plant gives off nutrients that are used by surrounding plants.  The shade of one tree protects the plants growing beneath it.  The waste of an animal enriches the soil, providing nutrients for the animal's food to grow.  There is minimal waste, and maximum benefit for the environment.

Organic food is grown using natural pest control, and no chemicals or artificial fertilizers.  It has not been shown to be better tasting, more nutritious or safer for human comsumption.  But, I do feel that organically grown food is better for the environment.  That being said, I do not typically buy organically grown food.  It is more expensive, and it is not as easy to find.  I do, however, go to local farmer's markets.  Most of the food purchased there is grown locally, and organically.  I feel that we should all buy locally grown food, including seafood, to live a more sustainable and environmentally sound life.

I do not feel particuarly connected to the current food system.  I am enjoying learning more, and hope to apply this knowledge to purchase food that is grown in a sustainable way.  My husband grows some vegetables in our backyard.  I wasn't very interested in his little garden in the past, but now I will be more involved.  He did use some features of permaculture, such as planting flowers with the tomato plants to help with pest control.  He also planted green beans with the tomato plants.  He has begun to compost our kitchen waste, to use as fertilizer.  I think every little bit helps, and each person can make a small difference in their community.



Blog #4 - What is the most pressing global environmental issue?

I feel that the most pressing global environmental issue is the continued loss of biodiversity.



 Biodiversity is important to all aspects of wellness in our world.  Not only does it ensure the heartiness of species, but it allows for the continued presence of plants, animals and ecosystems for use by humans.  Lack of biodiversity causes extremes in the natural balance of nature.  The loss of one plant can cause the eventual collapse of an entire ecosystem.  There has been some positive action taking place, with world wide efforts, such as with the G8Summit and the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity, to address these concerns. 

Why do I feel the loss of biodiversity is so important to address?

At least 40 per cent of the world’s economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change.

— The Convention about Life on Earth, Convention on Biodiversity web site.

The following video sums up what biodiversity means to the world, and to the human population:

As explained in the UN’s 3rd Global Biodiversity Outlook, the rate of biodiversity loss has not been reduced because the 5 principle pressures on biodiversity are persistent, even intensifying:

As stated by Jaan Suurkula, "The increasingly rapid, large scale extinction of species is a thousand times higher in the 20th century than the average rate during the preceeding 65 million years!  When extinction is slow, a balance can develop.  The resulsts of the rapidly occuring extinction is unknown, but is likely to precipitate collopses of ecosystems at a global scale.  This could cause large scale agricultural problems which in turn can threaten the food supply for millions of people.  He goes on to say that repeatedly failed attempts to limit the industrialized fishing has contributed to mass extinctions.  Up to 90% of all large fishes have disappeared from the world's oceans in the past half century.  The loss of preditory fish, like sharks, is likely to cause complex imbalances in marine ecology.  The destruction of coral reefs is another factor causing fish extinction.  ...According to the most comprehensive study done so far in this field, over a million species will be lost in the coming 50 years, due mostly to climate change."

Jaan Suurkula, World-wide cooperation required to prevent global crisis; Part one— the problem, Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology, February 6, 2004

We had better wake up!  It is alarming to me to see the trends in loss of biodiversity.  But why?  What do we get from all of this biodiversity?

A healthy biodiversity provides a number of natural services for everyone:

• Ecosystem services, such as
  • Protection of water resources
  • Soils formation and protection
  • Nutrient storage and recycling
  • Pollution breakdown and absorption
  • Contribution to climate stability
  • Maintenance of ecosystems
  • Recovery from unpredictable events
• Biological resources, such as
  • Food
  • Medicinal resources and pharmaceutical drugs
  • Wood products
  • Ornamental plants
  • Breeding stocks, population reservoirs
  • Future resources
  • Diversity in genes, species and ecosystems
• Social benefits, such as
  • Research, education and monitoring
  • Recreation and tourism
  • Cultural values

Shah, Anup. “Why Is Biodiversity Important? Who Cares?.” Global Issues. 06 Apr. 2011. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/170/why-is-biodiversity-important-who-cares>.

What are we doing to cause this tremendous loss of biodiversity?  Humans are causing it by:

1. Habitat loss and degradation - destroying rainforests, desecrating coral reefs
2. Climate change - Global warming
3. Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution - run-off from persticides and fertilizers, air pollution
4. Over-exploitation and unsustainable use - Industrialized fishing
5. Invasive alien species - the introdcution of alien species to areas such as the Everglades

Extinction risks are alarming.  Amphibians are most at risk, with birds and mammals following.



I could continue writing about this pressing problem. I was shocked to read about the currently used medication that has been dervived from plants. The loss of even one plant could have tremendous effects on future medicinal dicsoveries. This is an extremely interesting booklet that I encourage all to read: http://chge.med.harvard.edu/programs/bio/documents/Biodiversity_v2_screen.pdf

If I was given $100 billion to address this problem, I would allocate the funds to explore this problem, and to educate the world population about what diversity does for us, and how we are destroying it. I feel if most people knew the importance of having diversity in plants, animals, genetics, etc, they would strive to conserve and make changes.

Blog #3 Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Today my son, Kevin, and I explored the Turkey Creek Sanctuary.  Turkey Creek is located in Palm Bay, Florida, on the east coast.  It is a freshwater creek that is in the watershed for the St. John's River, and a major tributory of the Indian River Lagoon.  There is a lovely little Nature Center, staffed by both City Park Rangers and volunteers.  While talking with the staff, I found out that the Ranger working knew all about Colloquium because his daughter graduated from FGCU!  Small world!

This santuary, although fairly small, has a variety of ecosystems.  The sand pine ridge is a scrub area located above Turkey Creek.  There are sand pines and other desert adapted plants.   The soil is sugary sand, and lacks many nutrients.  Vegetation is sparse.  Rain water drains from this type of soil rapidly.  This area provides a habitat for Indigo snakes, rattlesnakes, gopher tortoise, box turtles, spotted skunk, racoon, opossum and the endangered Florida mouse.

The Transition zone is a narrow zone where the sand pine scrub and wet hammock merge. 

The Wet Hammock is on the banks of the creek.  This is a mature forest known as the 'hydric' or wet hammock.  Beneath the wet hammock is geoloical rock call the 'Anastasia Formation'.  There is a bed of fossil bones over 250,000 years old on this limestone rock.  There are canopy trees such as the live and laurel oaks, red maple, sugarberry and sabal palm.  There are also holly and swamp dogwood.  There are different types of moss hanging from these trees.  Animals include the river otter, water turtles, alligator, manatee, frogs, lizards and water snakes.  Many species of fish are found, as well as blue crab.  Birds are plentiful, including the white pelican.

The actual creek is a "black water creek" whose dark color results from the leaching of tannic acid as leaves decompose.

The 'ecosystem services' that are provided by Turkey Creek Sanctuary are, most importantly, drinking water.  Some of Palm Bay's well fields, that provide drinking water, are located in this area.  The sanctuary also provides space for native plants to flourish, and for endangered indiginous animals to live. 

Stewardship is the planning and supervision of something entrusted to you.  Conservation is a preservation or restoration from loss, damage or neglect.  The Friends of Turkey Creek are involved in both stewardship and conservation of the creek.  They are an organized, non-profit group of concerned individuals who hold regular meetings to plan and discuss the on-going conservation of Turkey Creek.  They have been insturmental in helping to preserve Turkey Creek, while keeping it open for the enjoyment of the public.  They work with the city, county and state government, as well as other not for profit groups to promote the positive balance between city growth and the preservation of the natural resources and beauty of Turkey Creek.  Currently, state representatives, as well as city government officials, are working on a dredging project.  This project will clear out sediment that has made navigation by both manatee and boats difficult.

The Friends of Turkey Creek is a perfect example of how like minded people can affect change.  This group was formed by citizens who lived on and around Turkey Creek.  They wanted to improve and preserve the creek for the enjoyment of all.  Several residents realized that the ongoing buildup of sediment, even after dredging, was blocking the creek.  This not only caused problems for boaters, but also for manatee and fish.  They were able to negotiate an on-going process to keep the creek clear of sediment that clogged the free flow of water. They have been very successful in being more than, 'complaining land owners'.  They have worked since 1972 with the local, state, and federal government.  A quote from an article about the group states:

"The FOTC illustrates how a small, grassroots group can effect a major impact on environmental initiatives. Led by a six-member advisory board, the group has persuaded Palm Bay city officials, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District, State Rep. Mitch Needelman and Congressman Dave Weldon to support the planning and funding of projects aimed at improving navigation and water quality in Turkey Creek and the Indian River Lagoon."
http://www.foturkeycreek.org/id72.html

I was so impressed to see how such a beautiful and wild place is, literally, in the middle of a large incorporated area.  The public library boarders the sanctuary, as well as housing developments.  Yet, while walking on the board walk and the shady trails, I heard nothing but birds, and saw only beautiful natural Florida!  To lose areas like these will eventually lead to the destruction of natural vegetation, the extinction of indiginous animals, and the contamination of our waterways and drinking water.

Blog entry #2 - FGCU Campus

     I love walking around the FGCU campus.  My daughter attends school there and lives in South Village.  She is a junior, but lives in the Freshman housing as an RA.  I am impressed with the area in which FGCU is located.  I think the natural environment is preserved as much as possible.  The university had to be built somewhere, and the location is not only conveinently located, but is also beautiful.  I believe that the students are introduced to sustainability and living with nature.  This is evident not only by the solar panels visible from the main road, but also the recycling evident around campus, the drinking water refill stations, and most impressive to me, the requirement of all students to take the University Colloquium class.  I feel this class itself leads to eco-empowerment, by teaching students, and giving them the tools and knowledge they need to make eco-friendly decisions throughout their lives.
     I think my background may predispose me to be impressed with the efforts being made at FGCU.  I have to admit that I am not as eco-friendly as I would like to be.  I love the outdoors, and have tried to stress to my children the importance of respecting nature, but I have not gone out of my way to make a difference.  This class has already opened my eyes, and has made me more aware of what our daily choices can do to assist in either the destruction, or the preservation of our natural environment.

Blog entry #1

My expectations for University Colloquium are to learn more about the SW Florida environment, to gain an understanding of the effects of development on the ecosystems native to the area, and to gain a greater appreciation for the beauty in this area.

To me, sustainability relates to my field of study only in the ways it would pertain to me in general. I am a nurse, working towards a degree in Health Science.  I think that learning to use less natural resources, making sure lights are off in offices, conserving water when possible, keeping disposable items to a minimum and being mindful of disposing of chemicals like medications properly is important.  My hospital recently began using specific containers for certain medications, preventing them from being poured down the sink and into our environment.  I think that hospitals and healthcare facilities should concentrate on promoting a greener environment for patients and staff, which has been proven to assist with healing, and to lead to a better care of the patients. 

I feel I need to make improvements in recycling items in my home.  My city has recently introduced large recycling containers for each household.  I am making an effort to utilize this more to decrease the wastesent to landfills.