Orysya Blaga 8/18/2013 Bio 119 Section IK Service Learning Paper Working in the field, organic garden, and

classroom, we have cut and pulled non-native species, and promoted organic agriculture. My first workday was in open space area called Dunning Read Conservation Site, where the community tries to protect the woodlands and wetlands habitat. The Dunning Read Conservation Area is open to the public. In this area, we were cutting non-native trees using cross-cut saws, hand-saws, and scissors. By cutting those trees we protected forestry soil and biodiversity of this area. We made a small contribution in helping to restore ecological health to the Dunning Read Conservation Area and to raise its profile as a worthy open space resource for the community. To prevent increased numbers of non-native species, we have also cut trees and pulled Garlic Mustard in Cook County Forest Preserve in Schiller Woods. We tried to reduce the number of Mustard Garlic by hand pulling at or before the

onset of flowering, or by cutting the flower stalk as close to the soil surface as possible just as flowering begins. This non-native is becoming widespread here in Illinois and throughout the Midwest, growing along shaded roadsides, woody paths, and anywhere else it can get a roothold. It is also displacing native woodland wildflowers. Because seeds remain viable for five years, it is essential that an area be observed and plants removed for at least five years after the initial control effort. Working in Wright College Organic Garden, we have prepared compost and soil for planting. We used soil screener to remove the chunky, unfinished bits from soil that is to be used in potting mixes. It also removes stones and plastic trash that may have found their way into the compost pile. I used a gloved hand to work the soil through the mesh, one or two shovelfuls at a time. Compost is probably the single most important for organic garden. The success of the garden depends on the soil, and the health of soil depends on the compost. In classroom we were transplanting the plants in separate spots for them to grow bigger and stronger. All of these workdays were amazing experiences for me. I opened up new level of awareness by being a part of the solution to the environmental problems. I learned how effective is to work efficiently with my peers. It is clear for me now, that by working collectively, we all can do a positive change in our environment. I also improved my environmental ethical attitudes.

All humans actions affect nature and we are responsible for our actions. I am encouraged now to actively support intensive care in local level by protecting native species and their habitat. All of these workdays made significant change in my view of the world around me and changed my behavior. I realized that my actions can actually contribute to the protection of our environment and sustainable development of society. Service learning was also helpful for me to understand deeply the true value of biotic and abiotic factors in stimulating the healthy environment. I obtained new skills in gardening and forestry. I learned how to use compost and soil to grow strong and healthy crops. Compost is organic material that can be used as a soil amendment. It provides minerals and nutrients needed for plants, animals, and microorganisms. I learned how to use compost to help regenerate poor soils. I also understood how by using compost we can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Service learning practically demonstrated problems and solutions to the environmental problems we discussed in the class. Loss of biodiversity, endangered species, soil degradation, eco-footprint, industrial agriculture, and other external costs of humans activity have some possible solutions. These solutions require critical thinking and radical actions. We tried to prevent increased numbers of non-native species and stimulate the increase in the population of native species. By doing this we tried to prevent the potential adverse effects of non-native

species on biodiversity, soil, and forestry. Although the evidence suggests that only a small proportion of non-native species cause adverse effects, the risk of damage in some cases makes a precautionary approach essential. There is also concern of the possible future effects of nonnative species. Persistence of the species in the wild causes competitive advantages over native species. It affects non-target prey or hosts. Having potential to invade other communities, these species can show rapid population increase. Control of plants is also problematical and requires enough volunteering and monitoring practices. We made a contribution in preventing the consequences of industrial agriculture by stimulating organic agriculture in our organic garden. This will help to reduce the products purchased in supermarkets for the cafeteria in our campus. This action will also promote healthier society, and conserve water, soil and biodiversity.