After writing the first blog today, I noticed that I am supposed to have the second blog done today, the first one last week. It's always great to start behind. (kidding).
Today, we went on our first field trip that took place on campus. I found this walk thru the trail amusing simply because I had no clue the trail existed. Our campus is known for being (or thought of being) eco-friendly and supports eco-empowerment. Overall, I see our campus rising above most universities in this general area. Now, obviously the campus has its own problems like being erected on environmentalists' 'holy' ground. However, my thought is this land would have been used for something else if not a university. I found it interesting that there has been thought in the construction of the campus to keep it eco-friendly. For example, the simple idea of putting a tunnel in the ground to support animals crossing the road without getting killed is a simple yet great idea to help sustain the animals that live around the area. There are inconsistencies that go along with the consistencies. The bridge brought from Brazil? or another foreign land I can't remember is not the most eco-friendly. It would have taken a lot of oil in production and shipping to bring it to SWFL. Now, the bridge is supposed to last 10 years which could be interpreted in less energy because it will last longer. The campus is also supporting endangered birds on their migration path. Hopefully the endangered bird wont be eaten by the campus cat (inconsistency).
I find it really interesting and cool that our campus is creating sustainable gardens and fruit trees for students. This is a stride towards eco-empowerment. Generally speaking, I don't think the student population cares very much about the universities efforts towards sustainability. With my northern roots, I tend to take the standpoint that sustainability is necessary for community growth. The idea of using FGCU as a community who plant gardens and fruit trees gives me hope for sustainability in an area that I don't see much community involvement. Even if the university falls thru on some areas of eco-empowerment I still see it making efforts. No school will be able to have a completely eco-friendly campus. Anytime humans are involved in mass quantities the term eco-friendly is almost an oxymoron. I don't believe the term is entirely incompatible with our university but, I could see how one may think that way.
Until next time,
Annie
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