Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Human Activity Assessment

               Human interaction with natural places is a very important and affecting factor to our natural world. We, as human beings, retain the ability to either harm or help our world, to trash it or to save it from the damage we’ve already done. In my plot at the Bunker Nature Center, human activity is a huge part of the care that goes on there. People interact with my plot everyday, and while there are quite a few adverse ways we do, there are still some good things that go on.
               Let’s begin with the negative impact. Pollution, constant human activity, and the threat of invasive species are just a few. Being so close to the East Beltline, the Bunker Nature Center is a major consumer of carbon dioxide from the exhaust of the many vehicles that travel this way each day; though they indirectly harm the land. Also, this area is used constantly by science programs, students at Calvin, and many people who just like to take a walk in the woods. And while there are clearly defined paths of woodchips to follow, I have also noticed a number of footpaths leading off the trail, trodden by many people so it is obvious. Another issue, invasive species, has not affected my plot as far as I know. However, there is always the threat of this as we try to keep mainly native Michigan plants in the nature center.
               My plot also has positive human interactions. I know that there are people employed to care for this plot, by picking up trash, caring for the trail itself, and keeping a constant monitor on the different organisms in my plot. Calvin does a number of field studies next to my plot in a closed off area, so the place is always being observed to find new ways to protect the environment. Also, there is the Bunker Nature Center building itself. It is extremely green, and was built this way to promote a more environmentally friendly way of living. They have lots of very large windows to let in natural sunlight (less electricity), green toilets with a composting system, and using gray water to water their plants are just a few ways they give back to nature. All of this helps lessen the negative impact on my plot, so my plot can be cleaner and healthier.
               More practical ways to aid my plot against the adverse impact would be to join the nature center in one of their programs to help keep the preserve as close to perfect as possible. Another good way to protect my plot would be to inform people about the different things that make my plot unique and why they should refrain from littering, picking the wildflowers, or doing other things that only hinder the natural beauty of this place. Also, creating a fund to protect wildlife and plants in the nature center would be a good idea.
               My plot is a very important part of creation as we try to discover new ways to save the planet. This is why we need to study all ways that human interaction impacts nature, so that hopefully one day we can have a very green planet.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Biotic vs. Abiotic

For this next project, I have concocted a simple list of biotic and abiotic things that inhabit my plot.
Abiotic 
- Lots of rocks and pebbles in streams
- Water in the streams, swamps and lakes
- Plastic spikes/ markers
- Cement bridges and sidewalks
- Air/ wind in the area
- Drain pipe into the streams
Biotic 
- Snakes
- Squirrels (that pelt me with walnuts)
- Different types of trees
- Woodchips (they line the path)
- Rabbits
- Chipmunks
- Several kinds of fungi
- Algae on the pond- including duckweed
- Birds
- Poison Ivy
- Lots of grass
- Dirt
- Bees and Wasps
- Small wildflowers
- Rotting logs
- Plants with berries
- Bushes/ other plants

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Meet My Plot

My plot is surrounded by Calvin College's Ecosystem preserve and is on the edge of the East Beltline where it receives a fair amount of human activity; though mostly on well- defined woodchip trails. The trails and stream provide definite markers for the beginning and end of this land, and though it is not a perfect square it serves its purpose for a plot study. Mostly covered in trees, this plot also includes bodies of water and is on the edge of a large field. The trees all appear to be deciduous, but have yet to turn into their beautiful colors, still holding on to summer. Many small animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, snakes, etc. live in this preserve; though I have heard mention of a strange orange squirrel like creature walking on its hind legs. I chose this plot because it was easily accessible, especially after sports practice, and because I know the area well from past science adventures.Now while I would not advise tasting anything from this nature preserve, the other senses are stimulated through the rich colors, earthy smells and general calm of the area. I think this plot study will be an interesting experience and am glad this will give me a chance to get back into nature, even if only for a short time.