For my service learning project, a I joined a group clean up at Naples National Golf Club. We were going through the course cleaning and restoring certain areas of the course. Along the woods we were cleaning up the trash left behind by the golfers to not only clean the course but keep animals from consuming the trash or anything else that could harm them. We also did a search for golf balls lost in the woods to clean them out and also recycle the balls for resale in the club house.
We also were restoring areas on the course that were in poorer condition. There were trees that were being overpowered by Spanish moss, so we were trying to remove as much from the trees as we could. The Spanish moss does not actually kill the tree but it does keep the tree from growing because it absorbs the sunlight and water the tree needs to grow. Environmentally, we want the trees to grow as big as they can to help reduce the carbon in the air, so when Spanish moss is on these trees keeping them from growing, it is hurting the environment. We were also planting new trees in place of the older trees that were dying. This is environmentally friendly because we are replacing what once was and keeping the cycle of life going.
I have learned a lot from this experience working to improve the environment. It was nice to get out in the hot sun and feel like I was actually doing something. We sit in class and have facts and situations drilled into our head if we do not start acting now. The service project is a kick start to a better way of living because without the service learning requirement, more than half of the kids would not do anything to improve their way of life. I am becoming more aware of my environment like where I throw my trash
