kittykatkalmer

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Agriculture

ECHO promotes organic seeds, tools, and innovations for growers worldwide who fail to feed their families. They are going out into the world to provide training and resources to enable small-scale farming families to prosper. ECHO is working on a realistic, economical Maresha planter concept, a direct seeder for single- and multi-row plantings of traditional crops such as maize and beans. ECHO provides hands-on and experiential STEM programs for young youth in Southwest Florida. Youth at the Anderson Appropriate Technology Center get to explore some of the challenges that make life difficult for families around the world. Anderson Appropriate Innovation Center is at its finest an innovative technology. Our facility is a unique workspace focused on demonstrating, researching and constructing tools / techniques that solve problems for small-scale farmers around the world.

Many foods produced in developed countries never make it into the bellies of men. It rots during transportation without refrigeration or when farmers refuse to sell it on the markets immediately. ECHO runs on low-cost solar dehydrators that operate without fans, a capability that resource-poor farmers still don't have. The Earthbag seed bank illustrates a system that does not rely on air conditioners to regulate everyday temperature variations. Capable of reducing changes in the interior temperature to 1-2 degrees, earth bags are capable of preserving seed viability for the next season. Connection to reliable, easy-to-maintain farm machinery is a concern in many areas. Adapted from an Ethiopian plow, ECHO East Africa has built, tested and modified the Maresha no-till planter to achieve a realistic design that can be produced from local materials at an affordable rate.

What starts as easy, workable ideas expands to other vulnerable places. Such knowledge is essential to food security and sustainability for certain populations; efficient methods, such as expanding harvest times. Instead of a two-month harvest for one variety of avocado, the consequence is a harvest cycle increased from two months to nine months, with certain types of varying maturities being planted alongside it. Application of terracing to save water or grow pest-resistant crops such as neem or marigold, as a remedy alongside more susceptible insect-prone crops. Checking the rice for improved yield in marginally drier areas. Information is exchanged with those in need of efficient procedures.  I saw a growing garden plant in Florida all along the trip. Which will make every salad a perfect addition! We learnt about the neem plant's therapeutic applications for managing a range of health problems, such as psoriasis , eczema, teeth and gum disorders or headaches I have learned about the repellent qualities of the larvae. I learned about a moringa plant with a high nutritional value that includes vitamins A, C, E, iron, folate and protein. Additionally, moringa seeds are used to purify water, reducing contaminated water particulate and bacterial content. This is a multi-purpose plant that is quickly growing and can meet the needs of others.

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Blog - Urban Experience

Ranching is the practice of rearing animal herds on large tracts of land. Ranchers typically collect pasture livestock such as sheep and cattle. In addition, several ranchers collect elk, bison, ostriches, emus and alpacas. The ranching and animal husbandry industry is rising faster than any other world agriculture field. Ranches exist today on all continents except Antarctica. South America shares an unparalleled tradition of ranching. Brazilian multinational conglomerate JBS-Friboi is the world's largest beef-producing business. The ranching sector in South America is continuing to expand. Many South American countries are fast developing, led by Brazil and Argentina. The rising middle class has broadened the beef industry. Argentina and Uruguay are the worlds top beef consumers per capita.

Ranching is an efficient way of raising livestock to provide meat , dairy products and fabric raw materials. This is a critical part of the worldwide markets and agricultural growth. The livestock sector, however, has significant destructive environmental consequences. Ranches established on the former rainforest lands are not usually productive economically. Cleared rainforest land typically yields bad pasture habitat. Biodiversity of a rainforest exists in its canopy above ground, not the Earth below. Grasses in thin, nutrient-poor soil don't thrive. Soil compaction from animal hooves degrades the land further. This is unique for species that have been introduced. A native of the Americas, Bison has tiny, straight, pointed hooves. A stamping aerates the land, which adds to the biodiversity of the prairie. The cattle have strong, hard hooves that flatten the surface and minimize water and fertilizer absorption.

Relating it to the movie ‘Before the Flood,’ livestock ranching also helps to pollute the air and water. Runoff from ranches may include animal manure, antibiotics, and hormones, as well as fertilizers and pesticides. Tannery chemicals which treat animal hides may also flow into water. A big threat to global change is ranching too. Livestock was generally responsible for more greenhouse gas pollution than shipping. When the forests are cleared for pastureland, carbon is released. Manure produces nitrous oxide which has 296 times the carbon dioxide heating potential. Cattle emit large quantities of methane from their digestive systems.

Three things I found interesting from Babcock Ranch was the practice of herding. Herding is the practice of looking over a wide field for wandering animal units. Ranchers and cowboys often flock animals in favor of grazing areas. Herding frequently means maintaining the herd protected from wolves and the natural threats of the countryside. Their herds provide beef, milk, and hides for many nomads for their own use, as well as for trade. Nomadic herding is often taken as a type of subsistence farming. In reality it is not. Subsistence farmers primarily cultivate crops and harvest crops for their immediate family and society. Another thing was the livestock on the ranch. It is an significant aspect of a region's agriculture is livestock raised on ranches. Livestock allow for the processing of human and livestock products. They also supply materials for the clothing , furniture, and other industries, such as leather and wool. Lastly,  I found the practice of ‘round-up’ to be interesting. Animals also don't like a little enclosed space to be gathered up and herded through. In a round-up, even the most docile cattle or sheep are apt to get violent. Round-ups often include a significant variety of ranch workers undertaking different duties at the same time: livestock treatment veterinarians, cattle herding cowboys, and field horses ' wranglers.

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Blog- Marine Experience

Tradition needs you to roll down the windows of your car and to ride the rough sands of the ocean. The waters are even very clear on Florida beaches, but vary from week to week and even daily, depending on the sunlight, temperature , rainfall, wind and wind, water-spur and surfing. In the Gulf of Mexico and in the Atlantic Ocean, Florida offers beaches with crystal clear water. Water clearance depends on the amount of sunlight, temperature , rainfall, wind and direction, water currents and the surf. Water clarity is also variable week after week and day after day. On my trip to the beach I went to Lovers Key on Sunday. We went into the beach day with an open mind because we were supposed to be getting rain from the tropical storm that is hitting Mexico. While at the beach I observed how big the waves and currents were this past weekend. I had a feeling that it was just a side affect of the tropical storm. The red flag was waving at the beach which signified that currents were high and strong..... and they were not lying. I wore a strapless swimsuit and let me just say VERYYYYY bad decision. The currents, the waves, plus no straps on my swimsuit was not a pretty ending for me. Along side from the big waves and currents, the shore was also pushed back. Most beaches have a lot of shore space, but lovers key’s water this weekend was rough that we had to basically lay camp down in the trees because the shore was flooded. The water was rising so high that the shore was basically engulfed. Also something I realized that all though the water was not the best everyone was still getting in and having an enjoyable time. No one let the fact that their was no shore and that the waves were so big ruin the day. The beach just had a good vibe, and everyone was just out enjoying the weather. 

Her novel, Silent Spring, was published by Rachel Carson. In the book, she warns us about the use of human-made pesticides, especially DDT. DDT was a popular pesticide mass produced during World War II. Carson wrote the chemical would damage the environment if people continued to use these pesticides without limitations. Birds' eggshells were weakened by DDT. If the government had not enforced environmental conservation legislation, residents would quickly experience a 'silent season,' without bird noise. However, Carson did not recommend that all organic pesticides be discarded. She called for a ban against poisonous and strong chemicals such as DDT, despite increasing proof that many living organisms have adverse effects. They also asked for more wisely use of other chemicals and for considerable tightening of the rules for manufacturing and sales. Finally, she requested scientists, in order to reduce the influx of lethal toxins in the atmosphere, to improve their efforts to identify new ways of combating pests, such as biocontrol.

Many kinds of animals suffer from chemicals, which contribute to pesticide usage through Conservation Action Programs in many countries. Pesticidal residues that remain on food , for example if wild animals enter sprayed fields or surrounding areas shortly after sprinkling, may poison animals including humans. Pesticides can remove the main food sources of some animals, causing them to move away, change their diets or starve. Residues may flow through the food chain; for example, as insects and worms eat pesticides, birds may experience damage. Earthworms digest organic matter in the top layer of soil and increase their nutrient content. By ingesting waste and being the bioindicator of soil development, they preserve human health. The adverse impact of pesticides on earthworm development and reproduction. In organisms that consume them over time, certain pesticides may bioaccumulate or build up to toxic levels – a phenomenon that particularly has an impact on the food chain for high species.

References

Environmental impact of pesticides. (2020, June 6). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_pesticides#:~:text=Pesticides have had harmful effects,the food chain especially hard.

Rachel Carson. (2016, September 14). Retrieved from https://archive.epa.gov/epa/aboutepa/rachel-carson.html

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Freshwater Experience

TheFor our world, freshwater is important. For humans and for animals, fresh water is important – diligent management is essential as not often enough to go around. Reservoirs, streams , ponds, reservoirs and subterranean aquifers are part of fresh water ecosystems. They store and clean the water that's crucial for people and wildlife. Sanitary freshwater ecosystems include drinking water, food processing, processing, electricity and transport. It also leads to the reduction of flooding, waste management and natural flood control. Even with this critical tool, we were reckless. The mismanagement of the fresh water systems has contributed to deforestation, dams rotting and destroyed ecosystems. We lost too many lakes and their biodiversity over the last century. Whether it is water flies in Great Britain or giant catfish in Mekong, some of the richest bio-diversity on Earth is found in freshwater habitats. There are also people affected. In the past 50 years, floods and droughts have risen, partially due to disruption to coastal habitats and their frequency and effect on climate. In the meanwhile, barrages are disrupting natural waterways, which may harm river-dependent communities downstream. Healthy water has become costly for safety and resources.

However, fresh water is important to life. Freshwater is required to live by plants, animals , and humans. We use, to list just a handful, for potable water, for irrigation of plants as part of sewage systems and in industrial plants. Water is refilled by rain and snowfall from groundwater, rivers and lakes. To control their water resources, water resources managers use accurate precipitation measurements.

I visited Lake Kennedy In Cape Coral and once I arrived I realized that the freshwater lake  has a green area path for walking and fitness. I realized that freshwater biomes provide us with drinking water, field irrigation, wastewater and industry aquatic capital. Such specific functions are called ecosystem resources and human benefits. I noticed that humans may have major impacts of water overuse on freshwater resources. The same waterways which support wildlife and plants provide municipal water for cities and municipalities and may adversely affect the environment if use exceeds the natural regeneration of these waterways. Reducing the water volume in the lakes and in other reservoirs is putting pressure on aquatic populations and reducing the amount of living room that is available. I have observed that through building of hydroelectric dams or irrigation schemes we can change or even kill freshwater habitats. Dams build water reserves thus deliberately limiting river movement downstream, which will significantly alter the environment on all sides of the dam.

Lastly, in the Youtube video from our Module labeled ‘How can we value nature?’ shows that we need a plan on how to protect our earth. From watching the video it made me realize that we need an idea on what values our out in our world. Nature provides me with a feeling of calm and goodness on a personal basis. An release and a soothing influence on the psyche from the rat race. It's all about us and without it we 're nothing, I never stop being surprised by what nature has to bring. Nature is everything. Science teaches us that humanity contributes to a broader event. It's not just for us as citizens. The discovery of the natural environment teaches us how beautiful this earth is and how we play a part in it. Beauty and curiosity, health and enjoyment .... Nutrition and pollination. It is an integral aspect of our delicate planet and we have an immense obligation to it.

References

Protecting freshwater ecosystems. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wwf.org.uk/what-we-do/protecting-our-rivers-lakes-and-freshwater

The Importance of Freshwater. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://gpm.nasa.gov/waterfalls/science/freshwater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Lp1-5vWT0

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Sense of Place

 Researchers , for example, found that nature videos played in prisons reduce violence in prisoners drastically, suggesting the relaxing effects of nature are reflected in the screens. When civilization evolves and wild areas are harder open, we are searching for such natural alternatives.The same town or district is viewed in various forms by many citizens. While someone can understand the ecological and social dimensions of an region, someone may experience environmental and racial injustice. The meaning of the place usually explains our connection to places, which manifest themselves in various aspects of human life: thoughts, biographies, creativity, stories and encounters (Basso, 1996). The concept of position – how we interpret a spot – includes spot association and place meaning in environmental psychologie (Kudryavtsev, Stedman and Krasny, 2012). The importance of a position represents the ties between individuals and places and the meaning of a position represents conceptual meaning that people assign. In ecological, physical, fiscal, political, esthetic, historical or other aspects, people can assign different significance to the same location. A perception of location emerges from the way people view, perceive and communicate with their surroundings (Russ et al., 2015). In towns, the sense of the place echoes cultural , environmental, historical, political and economic intersections; global mobility, immigration and fluctuation of natural and constructed boundaries affect them. 

A sense of place would be incomplete in the urban context without a critical view of cities as locations socially built that are heritage and created by those who live there. Growing students' understanding of their location is an essential factor that affects their sense of position. Technology allows us to feel happy by activating our own unconscious "biophilia," a metaphor describing mankind's inborn and primordial attachment to the climate. However, the degree with which artificial representation may carry about the calming, restorative and artistic effects of a stroll in the true woods is minimal. To our physical and psychological well-being, nature is important. Interacting with nature allows one not to lord over each other, to exist in harmony with the other: you don't regulate birds who fly overhead or lift their moon, or a bear who goes where it wants to.

A sense of place is when you feel a desire to join a place or a town you know. When you first visit a place, there is a sense of anxiety and excitement where you first explore your environment. When you have the pleasure of the place and a positive emotion, you will visit again or come back. This feeling that the place returns regularly and has this strong bond with the place makes 'room' a 'location' of significance and attachment.This feeling that the place returns regularly and has this strong bond with the place makes 'room' a 'location' of significance and attachment. For a sense of place for me, I would enjoy something that puts my mind at ease, for example a beach. Being at the beach, you are soaking up sun and glowing, with that you are also concentrating on easing your mind, you really concentrate on self-care. Self-care is essential to lead a balanced, pleasant and pleasant life. You will build positive energy, which surrounds you and fills you, when you practice those simple ways to relax your mind. Another thing, the beach can feel as a natural detox for me. I feel as if when I am at the beach my body is releasing all of the bad energy. It is also great to relax for a few hours without a computer, telephone and tablet. Some of my most creative moments came when I'm uninterrupted and left alone. I can concentrate completely at the moment without worrying that my escape will pull me out of a ding, blip or ring. Don't go and purchase safe cases, save your money. There is something to say about keeping it all behind and really being there, including the people in your environment! I notice people bringing out some civility on the beach. You can quickly get wrapped up with the usual everyday routine. Link relatives. Friends are playing. Friends play. Lovers tell. Lovers tell. There is another community this day — one consisting of people all out for a nice time.

Lastly In the video ‘Would your kids respond the same was as these kids?’ the video shows how the next generation is unconnected to nature and our surroundings. For our psychological and physical well-being, nature is necessary. Interacting with nature allows one to work alongside each other, not to lord over each other. Natural exposure has demonstrated that depression is minimized and attention spans are improved. Both senses are triggered while a child is out of control. He's immersed rather than focusing narrowly on something like a computer screen in something bigger than himself. He sees, he listens, he brushes, he also delights. A child's brain is able to regenerate outside of nature, so he will do better the next time he has to focus and be aware of it, maybe in school.

References

Basso, K.H. (1996). Wisdom sits in places: Notes on a Western Apache landscape. In Feld, S. and Basso, K.H. (Eds.), Senses of place (pp. 53-90). Santa Fe, New Mexico: School of American Research Press.

Kudryavtsev, A., Krasny, M.E. and Stedman, R.C. (2012). The impact of environmental education on sense of place among urban youth. Ecosphere, 3(4), 29.

Matei, A. (2017, August 9). Technology is changing our relationship with nature as we know it. Retrieved from https://qz.com/1048433/technology-is-changing-our-relationship-with-nature-as-we-know-it/

Russ, A., Peters, S.J., Krasny, M.E. and Stedman, R.C. (2015). Development of ecological place meaning in New York City. Journal of environmental education, 46(2), 73-93.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XDVDyDJ3s0&t=14s