Oct.18/13 - First Official Environmental Club Blackberry Project

Today was the first day that my team went out to work on the black berry project, to remove the invasive species to allow the native ones to grow. We applied what we learned at our orientation (last post) and used it to determine what to remove and the safest way to do so. I learned that teamwork, especially if you are not that strong (like me) is essential to digging; it was a lot more fun and enjoyable than I would have pegged gardening to be otherwise. Also, seeing the amount of garbage around made me see and realize even more the importance of not littering and how dangerous it is to our ecosystems.

We were lucky with good weather thus far, it should be interesting to see what it is like in the pouring rain or snow.

Time: 1 hour
Reference: Daniel Breeveld (Environmental Club)

Oct. 4/13: Environmental Club Orientation

On this friday after school we (the environmental club) went to the both well park and there to greet us was a city-worker. He informed us all about the blackberry bush and how it's an invasive species, meaning that it is not native to the land and that it grows fast, and can take over native species in the area. Our task for the coming year is to try to remove the invasive species by clipping the bush and digging it out from the root. It was a challenge at first, I didn't realize how tough a plant could be! But with hard work and team work, my partner and I managed to pull out a few blackberry roots. I also did not realize how prickly the thorns are, definitely something to keep in mind next time (boots and rain jackets!) as my socks suffered a few tears. I am excited for this year to come in the environmental club and to continue working with groups of new people while getting some good fresh air! I learned a lot about an area that I had not had a previous interest or knowledge in. I look forward to learning more and expanding my horizons as I help to remove this species this year!

Date: Oct.4/13
Time: Approx. 1-1.25 hrs
Reference: Daniel Breeveled (or any environmental club leaders)


Photos to come!

Madi