Final Video Reflection Justification


Sam LaCoste


Clare McGrady


Courtney Koplyay


December 10, 2019
Final Video Reflection Justification

Prior to the start of the semester, our involvement with the natural community around us was minimal. We had exposure on various vacations and excursions but had not been immersed in nature on a weekly basis. Additionally, our exposure into nature writing was lacking as well. Reading a few poems and excerpts in various high school and introductory English classes was the extent of our background. This class gave us the opportunity to dive deeper intellectually by increasing our exposure to natural literature and thought-provoking poetry and song. Along with the various perspectives from naturalist authors, being able to go into our surrounding natural environment allowed us to disconnect from our daily routine and schedule and reconnect with nature. Our thought process and inquisitiveness began to include questions pertaining to the environment around us rather than the mundane routine of our everyday.

Throughout the semester, we spent a significant amount of time on the Trinity River
volunteering with the Fort Worth Nature Center. Following our class discussion on Barry Lopez, we were encouraged to investigate environmental issues that are affecting the local Fort Worth community, specifically the Trinity River and its corresponding reservoirs. We were surprised to see that one of the largest environmental concerns Fort Worth is currently facing is the invasion of zebra mussels into the Trinity River network. Zebra mussels are an invasive freshwater species that have recently been introduced to Texas waters. They are native to Europe but were brought to the Great Lakes region of the United States in the late 1980s. Zebra mussels thrive in cold water temperatures and were not predicted to expand to the warmer southern waters. However, the species eventually made their way to Texas and now pose a large environmental and economic threat to the communities in which they reside.

Zebra mussels have very rapid colonization abilities and can quickly take over underwater infrastructure such as pipes, bridges, and docks. They also act as competitors for to other native species, which threatens their survival and has the potential to harm the delicate ecosystems. There have been efforts to eradicate the invasive species, but none have been entirely successful. Currently, multiple research projects are in progress throughout Texas and even locally at TCU. These projects attempt to understand zebra mussel better as a species in order to formulate a strategy that allows the eradication of the invasive species without harming and of the local ecosystems.

Barry Lopez described the “chilling nature of modern society to find an ignorance of geography, local or national, as excusable as an ignorance of hand tools, and to find the commitment of people to their home places only momentarily entertaining.” This class has pushed us to be more aware of our surroundings and more respectful for environments different than our normal. By engaging with our environment and doing research to understand environmental issues in our community, we have begun to fulfill the TCU mission statement of “acting as ethical leaders and responsible citizens.”


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