Last Saturday, I participated in The "Restoration in Golden Gardens" from 8:30-12:30pm. The event was organized by Ekaterina Rar (ekaterina.rar@email.edcc.edu), who can verify attendance.
The goal of this work party was to slow down the progression of invasive species, and to plant native species to restore the environment at Golden Gardens to its previous state.
This relates to animal biology because it demonstrates how environments affect populations native to the park. Due to invasive species, such as Rubus armeniacus, the availability of nesting materials, and seeds that native birds utilize have begun to decrease. The Golden Gardens park is experiencing a case of gene flow where native populations are either emigrating (or dyeing off).
The event had a great impact on myself. Truthfully, I pushed off my service learning, and this was the last service learning of the quarter. Saturday's weather included tremendous showers (showers which never ceased during the entire four hour duration of the work party). The conditions were largely unpleasant, and made me question why I was participating in unpaid labor. However after a couple of hours, I began to develop an appreciation for the other participants who volunteered their time despite the unfavorable conditions. Being a part of a work party, and having a role or task to complete gives a feeling of connectedness to something larger than yourself. And participating in the preservation of a park that will survive beyond my lifetime, imparts a greater feeling of contribution. It expands your view of the world beyond your own bubble.
Unfortunately, I forgot my phone in the car so I was unable to take pictures at the worksite. Although due to the severity of the rain, photos may not have been possible anyways without damaging the phone.
Among the contributors, was a wetland biologist. His career consists of consultations with land developers in regards to how the wetlands will be affected, and if establishing new environments with similar conditions will be necessary. If needed, they will create a similar environment to house displaced wetland species. His work is an example of the impact of science on society. Due to his field of biology, many native species are able to remain present in the area.
Questions
1. Why is it that invasive species such as Rubus armeniacus only began to become an issue 50-60 years ago?
2. Are there any new species that will be brought in (gene flow) due to the presence of invasive species? Or are they self serving?
3. What % of native species planted will survive?
4. What methods are available to completely eradicate invasive species? Or is the only option to slow down the progression?
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