Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees require a lot of water to survive, the roots soak up most of the water wherever they are 

planted. This could cause the swamps to become drained if planted in high numbers around FGCU 

(extrinsic concern).  Many insects, especially termites depend on the eucalyptus as a food source, this 

could increase the number of termites on campus, which are not desirable around structures (intrinsic 

concern).  They have a broad pollen spread, which could lead to invasive and detrimental environmental 

effects on the forest present in the area (extrinsic concern).  They are rich in  oils that are flammable, 

raising the concerns for safety on our campus (both intrinsic and extrinsic concerns). 

Another intrinsic concern with the eucalyptus tree is the falling branches.  The trees crop branches unexpectedly, to conserve water that they need during seasons when there is less rain.  This is a concern because they can cause damage because they are dense and  heavy with  resin.  If people are camping under the trees during a drop the weight of the branch could kill someone.

One way to reduce the risks involved with eucalyptus is to have farms that are specifically set up for them.  This would reduce the number of them in the forest while we can still enjoy the benefits from maintaining eucalyptus.  This would create jobs, and have economic impact on the area.

The eucalyptus have a lot to offer, most importantly, the biomass.  With that we could create biofuels and reduce our need for imports.  The oils stored in the leaves can be used medicinally, and are very fragrant.  The jobs that are created from plantations of eucalyptus would extend to the community through the marketing of the products.  the timber can be used for building materials.  Although these are great arguments for the planting of eucalyptus plantations or forests, the fact that the eucalyptus is non-native and will soak up the waters in our wetlands would not be worth the benefits.

ECHO Farm

ECHO was different than I expected, it was not as remote as I thought, and much more visited.  I thought that their mission of sending seeds to third world countries instead of sending food was excellent.  I thought that it was very cool that they trained Peace Corps volunteers and prepared them for their work with the limited resources in the countries in which they intend to serve.  It was way different than I expected.

The thing that stands out in my mind is the primitive tools and systems that they used.  The irrigation systems, the hay baler, the insecticide tree, and the planters made out of anything.  I also found it very interesting how they were able to grow food using a carpet and waste (corn cobs or pine cones).  I realize that this is to train the volunteers who will go on missions but it also taught me a lot.

American agriculture is very routine compared to ECHO Farm.  The sunken fields, raised fields, even plants grown on the top of a tripod are out of the norm for farming in America.  These examples are relevant to the developing world because sometimes they only have hillsides to plant on and need to have experienced agriculturists teach them how to use the land.  The soils in are not usually prime for farming and the water is at times contaminated, the farm gives hands on training to work around or even change those factors that prevent the hungry populations of our world to live healthier and provide nourishment for their families.

Appropriate Technology is the primitive systems that I found to be the most interesting part of the site.  It is using compost to create fertilizer and mulch for the farm, it is capturing rainwater in barrels, using the irrigation barrel in the fields, it is pumping water with a homemade water pump using everyday items, it is raising worms to aerate the soil, it is using the insecticide tree instead of pesticides, it is using minimal resources to maintain the farm.

I would be interested in performing my service learning there, the mission is great and it isn't a handout.  I think that the natural setting and all of the appropriate technology would lend a lot to learning.  I have seen what is on exhibit at the farm, it would be very interesting to work among those who work the mission.  However, I have already committed to helping out at The Burrowing Owl Festival.  If ever I have time to volunteer  I would definitely consider ECHO Farm.

Sustainable Farming

Seems the major elements of sustainable farming is to utilize the land and water appropriately.  Sepp Holzer has a great operation as he uses the land and plants to do the work of the farm.  The less amount of human input the more likely that the system will be successful.  A viewer can see that he is able to produce so much more food in less space simply by designing his farm in a manner that is self maintained and well planned.

Sustainable farming is ecologically sound because the farmer encourages the systems that work together and benefit each other.  For example, how the plants are placed in the farm can not only provide themselves with the necessary nutrients, but it also allows for predatory insects to control without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.  It is using the ecosystems services to support the farm without much human input.

I am unable to buy much organic food because of the cost of the staples, but I would if I could afford it so that I can support sustainable farming and promote environmentally sound practices involved with the concepts. I do not feel connected to the industrial type of farming that is used so widely, as a matter of fact I feel kinda disconnected from it because of the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

I do not live on or visit campus but I would be interested in growing my own fruits and vegetables.  When I lived in New York we grew a lot of fruits and vegetables.  Tomatoes, broccoli  strawberries, onions, corn, cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, watermelon, and herbs.  We canned and froze a lot of our crops and they lasted for a long time.  We didn't use insecticides, maybe because we were mixing up the plants we never had too many problems with pests.  We didn't use fertilizer but spent a lot of time in the garden, weeding and mulching.  I would grow a garden here, in Florida, but the soil is not very conducive to gardening and I live in a much more urban site and have less land.