Class Reflection

Coming away from my Colloquium class, I am actually surprised with the amount of knowledge I have gained. I was hoping to learn more about the various plants and animals that are native to the area, but I honestly did not anticipate learning a whole lot more that what I already knew.

I found the field trips and campus walks especially helpful because we were able to experience what we were learning about first-hand. Surprisingly enough, they have also helped me with my experience at work. Being a Hospitality Management major, I would not have guessed that there would be much of a connection between this class and my work experience, but I was glad to find that I was wrong. I work at a resort on Fort Myers Beach, so I was interested in seeing what we would learn on our field trip to the surrounding area. Only about a week after our visit, I was approached by a guest who was holding the propagule of a red mangrove.  He wondered what kind of plant it might have come from, so I was excited to be able to explain my knowledge to him. This led to further conversation about the sea grapes which line the majority of the hotel’s property. I told him about how its grapes can actually make edible jelly, and he later commented to me about how great it is that there are employees who actually have a good knowledge about the plant life in the area. It turns out that cataloguing plants in the area he was visiting from was a hobby of his, so he greatly appreciated our conversation and earned bonus points for myself and the hotel.

I also thought it was great to be able to learn about the various species on our very own campus. I see the trees and plant-life all the time as I walk to class, but had never before had a very deep knowledge of what I was seeing. I knew what a slash pine was, but I had not realized what an interesting tree it was. It is very adapted for fire in that it has puzzle-like bark that flakes off and its pine cones burst when hot and spread seeds across the ground.

All in all, I found my experience in Colloquium class very rewarding and beneficial, and I am excited to move forward with the knowledge I have attained.

Word Count: 405

Field Journal

Throughout our many experiences in Colloquium class, we had the opportunity to grow familiar with a variety of plant and animal species that are native to Southwest Florida.

Several walks through our very own campus provided us with a wealth of knowledge about quite a few plant species. Just a few examples are the Slash Pine, the Melaleuca, the Coontie, and Wild Coffee.

Featured below is the Sabal or Cabbage Palm. It is the State Tree of Florida and can be found throughout FGCU’s campus. The palms have often been used to make chickee huts. An excellent example of this was seen when we visited Fort Myers Beach and could see several of the hotels who had constructed their own huts from the palms. The Cabbage Palm also has “boots” on its trunk, which serves as a habitat for living things like insects.

While on our field trip to Fort Myers Beach, we learned a lot about the Sea Grape. It is a native plant with large round leaves and “grapes” that can be used to make jelly. While we were on the trip, it was very exciting to be able to actually try the grape jelly. The Sea Grape has an interconnecting root system which helps hold the barrier islands together.

We also learned about the various types of mangroves. These include the black, white, and red mangroves. The Red Mangrove is often recognized by its root and aerial systems which are used to stabilize it. Its pointy leaves are also good identifiers. In class we learned a rhyme that goes, “red, red, pointy head.”

Our trip to the Corkscrew Swamp also provided ample opportunity for learning new species. We learned about Alligator Flags, which is a native swamp plant that was used to warn early Florida settlers of danger. We also learned about Lichen, which is featured below.  It is a combination of algae and fungi and is a good indicator of good air quality.

Word Count: 327

Downtown Fort Myers Field Trip

I had such a great time on our field trip to Downtown Fort Myers with our Colloquium class. Though it was not as riddled with varieties of plant, animal, and insect species as our other field trips were, it was very interesting being able to learn more about the history of the area in which we spend so much time.

As we rode in to the downtown area together on our big, white bus, we were able to gaze outside our windows to see dozens of Royal Palms lining the road. Before we even stepped out of the bus, we learned that this type of palm tree is native of Cuba. Thomas Edison lived in an estate along the road, and it was his wife who loved them so much to bring them to the area.

Once we arrived, we talked about the numerous pieces of history that took place in the area. We learned that Fort Myers was actually named after the commander of the fort’s son-in-law, who never actually set foot in the fort itself. We also talked about how the Buckingham field and Page field were used for training for soldiers. While walking, we learned that the large American flag was donated by an insurance company and when it was being raised on a windy day, was wrapped around the men who were putting it up.

We learned about the mangroves that line the land and are placed in windows so the water can be seen. This can be done based on an agreement that if the mangroves are taken out of one area, they will be replaced elsewhere.

It was exciting seeing the fountain entitled “Uncommon Friends,” which features Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone. These men were very influential, both in their time and leading to today.

I loved having the opportunity to walk around the downtown area and learn the various things that formed its existence. Before taking a tour of the of the Hotel Indigo, we were able to see a huge mosaic mural in the courtyard that had been hidden for years because it hadn’t featured the “important” people that were intended, but instead portrayed farmers and African American soldiers along the newly constructed railroad.

Word Count: 374 

Field Trip to ECHO

            Our Colloquium class’s field trip to ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) was certainly one rich in learning and creative sustainability. Located only 20 miles from the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University, ECHO is an organization designed to find innovative and sustainable ways to fight world hunger. Their focus is specifically in the area of agriculture and the use of appropriate technology. They have a saying, “use what you have to make what you need,” which sums up the idea of appropriate technology beautifully.

            While on the tour, we were guided through a maze of numerous varieties of trees and plants. The Neem tree, for example, can also be known as the “village pharmacy” because its oils can be used for up to 40 cures and even cleans teeth. The Cranberry Hibiscus is a tasty plant that can be used for food and is great for sustainability because it stays healthy through the dry seasons. Chaya is another edible plant, which is also known as tree spinach. It seems to be something of an indestructible plant because it also stays alive through droughts, bugs do not tend to bother it, and it can even be sent through the mail to be planted elsewhere. Its only red flag is that its leaves contain cyanide and must be cooked prior to being eaten. Moringa is a healthy edible plant that contains ample amounts of vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, and protein. It can even be used to purify water.

            ECHO also demonstrated various ways to water their plants. These include the rope and washer pump, which are built with recycled supplies, and the drip-irrigation bucket, which uses gravity to push water from a bucket and through a drip tape to water the crops. We were also taken through a demonstration of a variety of useful household items, such as a rope maker, more safe and sustainable ovens, and a corn husker.

            Because ECHO’s aim is to teach impoverished countries sustainable ways to grow and maintain their crops, we were shown a side-by-side comparison of rice being grown. With the traditional method, four to five seeds are planted together and the ground is flooded all year. ECHO’s dry method, the SRI (System of Rice Intensification), requires only one seed to be planted (rather than a grouping) and is only kept moist. This produces a 50-100% better yield.

            Also on our tour, we were shown the various innovative ways ECHO keeps its crops growing. For example, they were able to plant miniature gardens in things like old tires. They also made the most of their animals by using their manure as fertilizer – even going as far as placing their cages above the plants so the droppings would fall exactly where they needed to end up.

            All in all the trip to ECHO was extremely beneficial. Not only was it an excellent learning experience, but it was also very eye opening.

 

Word Count: 486

My Neighborhood

This past August, I was excited to move into a house near Florida Gulf Coast University, here in Fort Myers, Florida. Prior to this, I lived in an apartment, so having a nice yard, scattered with pretty trees and plants is a great new addition to my housing situation. Displayed in my front yard are several palm trees, along with a number of shrubs. The same can be said for most other homes along my street, which house mostly young families and other college students.

            One thing I love about my house is the back porch. It is a nicely sized screened in area that I use as my window to the outdoors. I enjoy sitting on the patio furniture while working on homework or studying for an upcoming exam. Sometimes I even like to go out there to simply sit and embrace a brief moment of escape from reality and all the responsibilities that go along with it.

 

            It is great because it is as though it is a small compartment of the world set aside just for me, so that I can safely observe the rest of it. From my quaint table and chair, I can subtly survey the surrounding portion of my neighborhood. Often the young neighbor kids are in their backyard, excitedly playing on the new tree fort their father built for them or earning their afternoon bath by driving their dump trucks through the dirt. There is also ample opportunities to befriend a passing lizard, and occasionally, even a slimy salamander. Further in the distance, a hawk might be surveying the ground from his nest in the tall trees across the street.  I strain to get a clear view, but my gaze is distracted by a small yellow butterfly dancing through the air toward a flower pot in the neighboring yard.

From my small compartment I commonly call my back porch, the activity of the world – or more specifically, my neighborhood – is opened up to me. I am so thankful to have a place where I can unwind after a stressful day and simply take in the ever changing scene that surrounds me.

 

Word Count: 358