University Colloquium: Campus Trail Walk

The nature walk on Wednesday was very exciting. Matt, our tour guide, seemed to be very knowledgeable and passionate about the environment surrounding our campus. I do not get the chance to be outside as much as I would like due to school, work, volunteer, extracurricular activities etc. so it was a nice change of pace to step away from life’s everyday stresses and to clear my mind. What I learned from the Campus Walk was that we have 3 different yet linked ecosystems right here at Florida Gulf Coast University; Pine Uplands, Oak Hammock and Cypress Dome. One could not only see the variance between the 3 ecosystems, but also feel the transformation through the soil on the ground and this, I believe, plays a key role in sustainability. Pine Uplands has a dry, sturdy ground while Oak Hammock’s soil becomes a little more soft and spongy and the terrain of Cypress Dome was so mushy that it resembled mud.

The most interesting on the Campus Walk was when we learned that fires are actually beneficial for forestation. I was taught growing up, from Smokey Bear, that “only you can prevent wildfires” so I assumed forest fires were dangerous and unsuitable for the environment; however, Matt explained that fires actually help the field grow new plants and are required for pine trees to be able to spread. I can honestly say that I know little to nothing when it comes to plants, animals and nature in general so a majority of the information talked about was new to me. Some new knowledge that I did grasp onto was when we came across the Malluka tree. The Malluka tree is a paper tree from Australia that is invasive meaning the tree can change the environment around them and that it specializes in soaking up water. I had no idea that this single tree had so many functions and was right in FGCU’s backyard.

I think the walk helped me develop my sense of place because I was able to connect the surroundings of the nature trail with my senses. The feel of the sun on my face, the rough and smooth textures of the land, the color of the sky at sunset, the fragrance of the plants, the sound of the birds chirping, and the crunching of the leafs from cautious mammals. Thanks to FGCU’s high regard for the environment by maintaining well care of the nature area it has become an essential extension of the natural world by revealing the individuality of those who reside there and allow those to create a deep sense of belonging.

My favorite place on campus would be the library lawn; at home, my backyard pool; in my community, the beaches. Every place has its own charm so if a place is offering me an opportunity to experience something I am not used to, that is what attracts me to a place and helps me understand my sense of place.

References

Maravilla, Marissa. 2015. JPEG file.