A message

Dear future colloquium students,

You area about to embark on a voyage to new discoveries that you never imagined. The colloquium experience is one that you will never forget. Learning about how FGCU is managing its goals to be a sustainable university and getting in touch with your inner green self will be one of the best experiences you'll have here at FGCU. I wish you luck and let you know now, don't get left behind!

Sincerely,

Christopher Lienhardt

The Colloquium Experience

My experience in this University Colloquium course has definitely been an interesting one. As a Marine Science major I can't say I learned too many things that I didn't already know about but, I definitely can say that it was good to relearn some things that I had forgotten about. I really enjoyed learning about the bigger picture and stopped to look at the small part of the big world I represent. The Collquium experience has definitely been a positive one for me, and I really enjoyed learning about FGCU's promises and goals for sustainable lifestyles and University practices. I am proud to say that I attended THE Florida Gulf Coast University.

Service Learning

After our original service learning project with the Army Corps of Engineers tanked, Mallory, Michael and myself decided to take some of the problems we had learned about from the Corps and try to help out on a level we knew we'd be capable of. Partnering with the Boy scouts of America group we were able to help with a lake cleanup. We helped remove exotic plant species and debris from the lakeside and drains. We were also able to pick up and remove most of the litter that was near the shoreline and make the lake a cleaner, better place for the kids.

Easter

Today I spent some time outside with my family for Easter. I watched some of my younger cousins do the traditional Easter egg hunt outside. I really thought about how much we'd miss doing things outside and how many traditions would be ruined if we weren't able to go out and utilize the gifts nature gives us. I really appreciated those Easter egg hunts when I was a kid, I hope that the tradition never dies for the kids of the future.

Personal #12

After reading Friedman's "Hot, Flat and Crowded," I though about some of the key points and arguments he makes. At one point Friedman states "I am convinced that the best way for America to solve its big problem the best way for America to get its “groove” back is for us to take the lead in solving the world’s big problem." I definitely agree with this point, as the "leaders of the free world," if anyone is going to incite the world toward a green revolution it will have to be us. We need to accept the responsibilities we have and push for the change the world needs.

Personal #11

Tonight I looked at the resource that showed the Environmental Performance Index, which tracks countries on their environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. I was shocked to see that the United States ranked 61st in the world, behind countries like Cuba and Morocco. I was glad to see that we ranked higher than countries like China and India, who contribute most to the burning of fossil fuels and release of CO2 emissions. I truly hope that the scope of these findings reaches more American citizens who will in turn demand better results from the "most powerful and influential nation in the world."

Matanzas Pass Trip

Our trip out to the historic cottage at Matanzas pass was most definitely one of my favorite trips this semester. I really enjoyed seeing the old style Florida cottage that has seen so much change and survived so much history. Meeting the caretaker and former resident of the property was also a great experience in its own; her stories were very interesting and the sea grape jelly was delicious. I also enjoyed our walk through the transitioning hammock to marshland habitats. The very best part of the trip was the quiet minute we had next to the waterside. This moment of pure serenity was very relaxing and definitely made the whole trip a lot better.

GR#10

After reading the Four Challenges of Sustainability, I couldn't help but relate it to the current events the world is facing at this time; War, anarchy, natural disasters and nuclear problems. In the reading Orr quoted Thomas Homer-Dixon's "ingenuity gap," meaning our problems will eventually overrun our problem solving capacities. I truly believe that for us to transition to a more sustainable lifestyle we need to let our governments know that we will not stand by and watch the world crumble. I think that if we as citizens stepped up and showed the big government that people still had the power, the big wigs would do what was necessary to make the world a better place.

GR#9

After reading "What is Education For?" by David Orr, I really thought about what we do daily to educate ourselves and others in our lives. The article defines education as teaching people how to think. I felt that we all do this each and every day, whether we are conscious of it or not. I thought to myself that if we all consciously took the time to teach someone, whether it be someone we knew and loved, or a complete stranger, something new each day the world could be a much better place. If everyone across the world took the time to share their knowledge and wisdom with a new person, the possibilities for education could be infinite.

GR#8

Reading the Earth Charter was definitely different. It followed a different format than most of the other articles in the Colloquium reader. I liked that it had an organized feel and was able to easily relate to most of the topics covered. I really enjoyed reading the part about Ecological Integrity, especially the subsection that stated that it is out job to "Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited apply a precautionary approach." I really connected to this call to arms because of a personal experience I had while snorkeling in the Bahamas. I noticed that a girl was using a live coral head as a resting spot and was carelessly standing on top of it. I warned her that she was killing a live organism and told her that she was breaking quite a few laws as well. I was able to protect said coral from any further damage and teach the girl about what she shouldn't do in the future.

GR#7

After reading The Land Ethic I was most intrigued by The Community Concept. The Land Ethic goes on to simply expand the boundaries of the community to include all things that could be considered : the land. In its simplest form a land ethic reverses the role of Homo sapiens from conquerer to citizen. I really felt like this was appropriate when thinking about myself; after coming back from Officer Candidates School with the Marine Corps. The Marines taught us that we as Officer Candidates were held to a higher standard and that all Marines should be contributing citizens to our great nation. I really feel like I related that to this article when I read it and felt that it was definitely a daily part of my life.

Personal #10

Today I decided to spend my outdoor time enjoying the plentiful sunshine by the poolside. It was a nice hot day outside and I felt like it was a perfect day to soak up some sun and swim some laps in the junior Olympic size pool. While I was there I saw lots of birds flying overhead and even more down by the man made ponds. It was a great day for both the pool patrons and the birds.

FGCU campus walk field trip.

Our campus field trip walk was definitely an awesome experience outdoors. The weather was nice enough to permit us an afternoon walk without too much heat, and we didn't get rained on either. It was very interesting to see and hear about some of the building extras that the University incorporates to keep their promise of being a sustainable college campus. The trails were also very cool to see because of the amount of fauna and flora we were able to see. This trip really made me realize how lucky we are to go to such a great University.

Personal #9

Time spent outside devoted to this blog entry was spent fishing at Clam Pass in Naples. I was able to wade out during the mid-tide change to a great spot with my friend Brad and my girlfriend Lillie. We spent hours pulling all sorts of fish out of the pass. We wound up keeping a few and pan frying them for dinner later that night. It was a great day spent outdoors.

Personal #8

On the cruise I took for spring break I took part in so many outdoor activities I decided that It would be more than appropriate to describe them here. One of the many things I was able to do down in the Bahamas was a sail and snorkel excursion. We went to a fantastic reef near shore and saw lots of species of reef fish and even a large conch. This was one of the many fun things we participated in while enjoying the great outdoor beaches and environments of the coastal waters.

Personal # 7

So, technically I haven't spent the time outside yet (that starts tomorrow). But I'm leaving for a Bahamian cruise tomorrow afternoon, and much of the time on the cruise will be spent outside, so I figured I could count it as outside time. My outside plans include (but aren't limited to) snorkeling, swimming in the ocean, laying by the pool, sipping drinks on the deck, and just relaxing in the sun. I think that everyone should try spending their time outside just like I will be on this cruise. I cannot wait to spend hours outside enjoying what nature has available for us.

Personal # 6

Last weekend in addition to traveling to the beach on the east coast on Saturday, I went out the very next day, but to the beach here on the gulf coast. We went on my friends boat out to Key Waden in Naples. It was really great because its only accessible by boat, but it got really crowded really fast. We spent a few hours along the beach enjoying the sun, sand a few cold drinks and the cool blue water before calling it a day.

Personal # 5

Last weekend I went out to Fort Lauderdale beach on the east coast and went SCUBA diving with my friends. We had a really great time and ended up saving some money by swimming out from the beach to a reef that was only about 300 yards off the sand. We saw a variety of reef fish including angels, sergeant majors, parrots and butterflys, wrasses and gobies. We also saw quite a few banded eels poking out of corals. Sea fans and sponges also dotted the reef. We spent about 85 minutes on the bottom, pushing out air tanks to the maximum. It was a really great time outside.

Personal #4

For this journal I decided to discuss one of the many trips I've taken up to the Cecil Webb outdoor shooting range at Babcock ranch and wildlife preserve. This is a place I have frequently shot at multiple times. I really enjoy spending time at this outdoor range because of the diversity of people visiting, and the feel that you get the best of both worlds. You can spend time outdoors in the awesome Florida weather, and shoot any gun, or bow and arrow that you bring along with you. It really is a great experience.

Corkscrew Sanctuary

Our trip to the Corkscrew sanctuary swamp was a very interesting experience. It took quite some time to get out there, but once we did it was really cool to see how expansive the area was. There was so much open space! I really enjoyed how quiet it was way out in the middle of nowhere. I was really able to think back to my summer camp days when I spent lots of time out in the woods and tromping around in the woods. We saw a few different species of animals and reviewed why controlled burns were important to Florida ecosystems.

Personal #3

My time spent outdoors today was at the FGCU lake front. A few friends and I decided to borrow one of the Hobie catamarans that the FGCU campus recreation has by the waterfront. We had a great time sailing across the lake and were able to swim a little too. While we were on the water we noticed lots of wading birds, a few smaller fish and an alligator too. At one point the wind died down, and we were barely moving at all and it was very quiet and tranquil on the water. In response to Socrates question as to what the best way to live is, its different for every person. For those who grew up living a troubled life, a simplistic one may appeal to. For someone who grew up without challenge and chase, a new adventure all the time may be the best way to live. For me, the best way to live would be to be with my family. I miss the old days back when I was a kid; when around birthdays and the holidays, my usually small family dinners and celebrations grew to 25 or more people around the table. The best way to live, to me, is surrounded by the ones you live for; the ones you love.

Outside time

Today I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go kayaking with my girlfriend on a river near her house in Naples. We were able to see lots of different organisms, including many species of birds like the Rosette Spoonbill pictured. I was also able to go fishing in the back mangrove inlets we paddled through, and caught a decent sized Jack; as pictured.

I believe that there is definitely a relationship between quality of life and the quality of the environment. To me as an individual I believe that a positive relationship between myself and the environment could be a mutually beneficial thing. Giving back to the environment can only help me and others in the long run.

Echo Trip

Last week we went to the ECHO Facility. I learned that ECHO stands for the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization. Touring their unique facility gave us all great insight into the many different facets of agriculture. The organization showed us many different farming techniques that were designed to be efficient in specific environments; from desert lowlands to monsoon soaked valleys. The organization also taught us they demonstrated and exemplified very easy, sustainable and modern techniques to peoples who cannot afford to use modern technology or equipment. The Christian organization focuses on teaching these practices to the less fortunate and those who live in the third world. Overall I enjoyed the tour of the facility and was intrigued but the tried and true, but simple agricultural methods.

Neighborhood walk

So today I took a walk around the neighborhood to ask 10 questions. Naturally with a name like Rookery Pointe, one would expect to see birds around. Today its been pretty nasty out and the wind is really whipping, but I still came up with a few questions.

Why is this one tree growing so fast here, while the one right next to it isn't?

Which types of trees are holding out better against the frost, the exotics or the natives?

Are there still alligators in that water? I wonder if those largemouth bass still live under that bridge? Could that connection between the Estero River and this waterway still be there

after all the dry seasons? I wonder if this cold weather is killing the big fish in the water?

Are those birds just hanging out or fishing? Are these coconuts bad? Why are those flowers still blooming? Are those ants really building their nest in that location?

Just created. Here we go!

Well, this is my first post. I just created this blog for my university colloquium class. I'm looking forward to all the new things we're going to learn in our class! A few things about me, I'm a Senior Marine Science major hoping to graduate in the Fall '11 semester. I really enjoy all things Marine, including fishing and scuba diving. This summer '10 I attended Officer Candidates School with the United States Marine Corps. After Graduation I hope to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant with the Marines. Looking forward to a great semester!