Geocache and Hiking

My boyfriend and I enjoy going out and exploring with the help of an app called Geocache. Locals participate by hiding small objects in the outdoors. Today we saw that there were some geocaches located at Robin Hood Park in Keene. We realized how beautiful the area was once we arrived, and we were so glad we visited. The trees were absolutely gorgeous, and full of life. A few animals scurried around the area, birds chirped, and bright yellow flowers had sprouted. The water was very clear, our reflections looked back at us. Breathing in was so nice, the refreshing feeling of Spring air filled our lungs. After some time of enjoying the beauty of nature, we decided to begin looking for the elusive caches. Our first cache in the park was near the entrance of the main trail. The GPS pointed us towards a large rock wall. I set to work exploring one half of the rock wall, while my boyfriend searched the other. I spent a little bit of time looking through the nooks and crannies of my side, when suddenly I was interrupted from my search by my boyfriend calling to me. He had found it! A tiny little container "containing" (duh) a piece of paper with dozens of names written on it. I was surprised at the speed at which he located it. The hiding place was better than the back of the laundry machine I hid in during an intense game of hide and seek. Unfortunately I can't spoil too much about the cache, and you'll have to go find it yourself. We wrote our initials and the date on the piece of paper, and re-hid it in the same spot for the next person to find. Geocaching is an incredibly fun and rewarding way to explore and engage with nature, and your community. If you haven't heard of it before, I really do suggest giving it a try. You can find 143 geocaches in Keene alone! 

Robin Hood Park

:)

The Rock Wall

Into the Woods

Tiny Birdhouse

Berta Caceres

 Introduction

Berta Caceres was a strong Honduran indigenous activist who spent her life advocating for the rights of the Lenca community. Lencas are one of the indigenous groups of Honduras. Her mom was a great humanitarian. Berta grew up helping her family take care of refugees from El Salvador. During Berta's childhood, it was extremely dangerous as the civil war was going on in Central America. Her mother was a midwife on the countryside of Honduras. She helped many woman throughout her life. With the help Berta's mom provided, she learned the struggles of underprivileged people. As she grew older she co-founded the National Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH). The focus was to address the Lenca community threats they faced, as well as protect their lives and "fight for their territorial rights", as stated by Goldman Prize. Throughout her life she was leader of many campaigns and was a feminist, as well as supporting LGBT rights. Berta Caceres was the 2015 Goldman Prize Winner. 

Berta Caceres

El Rio

The river, Rio Blanco is very important to Lencas due to spiritual reasons. During the year 2006, the Agua Zarca Dam had begun a construction project that would cause harm to this river. Community members decided to reach out for help to COPINH. A Chinese and Honduran company had decided to start building hydroelectric dams by the river. This was a problem because no one had reached out to locals to ask permission, as is required by law. It would also affect the food resources, drinking water, medicine, and any traditional practices of the Lenca.  By 2013, Berta Caceres alongside the community protested for one year. This would happen at the building sites, with many guards escorting protesters who blocked the area from being constructed in. At one point, military members showed up to the protest, killing one man named Tomas Garcia, someone who belonged to COPINH. Three more people were injured during this as well. This would not be the first time they were attacked. Just one year later they were attacked twice, and murdering two additional people and injuring a total of three people. Sinohydro, the Chinese company had decided to stop the project. This was not the case for the other company, Desarollos Energeticos (DESA). In order for DESA to avoid trouble, they decided to relocate in order to being blocked by the protesters. The construction project has now been officially terminated due to anger from protesters and no funding from companies who withdrew from the project.  In the year 1948, the Love Canal was used to dispose of waste. This affected the health of residents, impacting the lives of pregnant women and their children. This is another case of a large company not considering the locals health or culture. The community fought for a long time as well, constantly being ignored and undermined. 

COPINH

Love Canal

 

Death

Caceres dealt with many death threats throughout her protests. The military members who attacked were not the only ones who disliked the beliefs of Caceres. On March 3rd, 2016 Berta Caceres was murdered in her home by gunmen. She had been on an assassination list from the Honduran army for a really long time. A total of seven men were convicted with murder and sentenced from 30 to 50 years in prison. A court ruling had found that DESA had hired military members to murder Berta. Her friend was also injured in the process. The president was arrested for his actions. In 2021 he was declared guilty, then sentenced to twenty two years.  Berta Caceres daughter; Berta Isabel Zuniga Caceres, had stated that in Honduras "It is very easy to pay people to commit murders". Berta Caceres fought hard for her community. They continued protesting even after the countless of people murdered in front of them. Some others were threatened, chased with machetes, and assaulted.  Members of COPINH and other activists to this day continue to fight for the rights of the indigenous group, Lenca, in Honduras. 

Berta Lives

Legacy

The hard work of Lencas had reached international officials. Berta Caceres had collected signatures to prove that the community was strongly against the building of the dam. The Inter-American Human Rights Commission had heard of this, strongly opposed to project funding. The national government, however ignored these statements. They had found ways to pay community members in order for them to sign against the protests. Without the help of people like Berta Caceres, we would have no groups like COPINH who continue to fight for the preservation of indigenous lands. We continue to see large companies taking advantage of indigenous groups, or other communities. This happens not just in the United States, but in other parts of the world. Activists are in great danger trying to fight for a better environment. Communities are removed from their land, pollution begins to harm the health of residents. If we had no groups like COPINH who manage to reach out to international communities, we would have less indigenous groups not being protected. It is such a dangerous thing to do, but activists continue to fight for what they believe is right.

Manifestation for Berta

Berta at COPINH

Protecting Basking Sharks

Basking Shark Ready to Eat

Basking Sharks

Basking sharks are one of the most

unique animals in the ocean. They are a greyish color, with large fins and an enormous mouth for their favorite foods. These sharks are planktivorous, meaning they eat plankton. According to the IUCN Redlist, they are large, approximately 36 feet in 

length. They are estimated to be 6 and a half feet at birth. 

Gestation is between 12-36 months. Two year resting

periods are common between litters. Female sharks live an average of 18 years,  but can live up to 50.

The basking Shark is native to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean.

 The exact number of basking sharks are unknown, however it is estimated to be around 20,000. The population is declining but in European waters it is believed the population has stabilized. In order for Basking Sharks to recover, it may take hundreds of years. This is due to biological productivity, and removal of female sharks by fisheries.

Temperate and Tropical Waters

A slow swimming species who also migrates deep in the water, Basking Sharks live in both temperate and tropical waters. In the IUCN Redlist, it is stated that Basking Sharks are found by the surface in temperate waters, while in tropical waters they are deep, below the thermocline. Basking Sharks migrate large areas, going from one place to the other. The reason for their migration is unknown. The government of Canada mentions that it may be due to change in weather, like winter. Temperate waters are cool during the winter and somewhat warm during the summer. Sciencing.com says weather is between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and & 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Tropical waters on the other hand tend to be warmer. Degrees can go from 68 Fahrenheit to 95 Fahrenheit. Rain is also a difference. Emily Neal from Sciencing.com states that about 39 to 59 inches of rain fall each year. Temperate waters tend to have fish and invertebrates. Birds get their food in these areas. Most whales and sharks enjoy cooler water, so they live in these areas. Tropical waters have coral reefs, which is a source of food for animals. Basking sharks are located by coastal waters, and as IUCN Redlist informs us, they have been observed in the Northeastern part of the United States. 

Temperate Northern Atlantic

Tropical Waters

Tropical Waters

Threat: Fishing and Harvesting Aquatic Resources

Target fisheries used to be a huge problem for Basking Sharks. It wasn't until the 2000's that they were banned. The problems that are still current are net fisheries, trammel nets, becoming entangled in pot lines, and taken as bycatch. Not only this, but Basking Shark fins, if sold; can go up to $57,000 for just one fin. Net fisheries are not only a problem for Basking Sharks but for other animals. , According to the Plastic Soup Foundation animals who get tangled, end up choking or dying. Coral reefs in tropical waters have major threats. Temperate waters have a similar issue. EPA reports that these major threats are boat anchors, recreational misuse, and including destructive fishing equipment and practices, similar to the harm caused to Basking Sharks. Over fishing can harm the coral reefs physically. 

Dead Basking Shark

What Can We Do?

Shark conservation actions have not been doing well. However there have been a few things put in place in order to prevent the extinction of Basking Sharks. IUCN Redlist states that "In 2005, the Basking Shark was listed on Appendix I & II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)." This means that parties are forced to protect species. The same year, there was a ban for Basking Shark fisheries. Seven years later there would be a ban by the GFCM for retention and ordered release of basking sharks. This however has not been kept up with. These not only protect Basking Sharks but other marine animals as well. How do we as a society contribute to all this? Well, one of the major food sources is protein. Seafood, specifically fish is one of the most commonly eaten. The problem lies when fishing companies do not take extra care for marine animals when they get stuck in nets. Plastic Food Foundation reports that of all the 15 major fishing companies, none of them dispose of nets properly. In order to help, the IUCN Redlist recommends the prohibition of retention and landing. Avoiding contact with basking sharks and leaving them at peace is also recommended. Reporting sighting of captures is also important as it helps without having direct contact with the species. Initiation from large companies is major, but for now we can spread the word so they listen to us too. 

Depth Of The Ocean

Shark Swimming

 

Willow Project

LAWSUITS OVER WILLOW PROJECT Both Indigenous groups and environmentalists have sued the administrations due to the Willow Project approval. This consists of gas and oil drilling. It is a project that would cost roughly 8 billion dollars. Three drilling areas would be opened located by the wilderness. In the article "Environmental and Indigenous groups sue over Willow Oil-Drilling Project", written by Niina H Farah; she explains how this decision can impact the climate, wildlife, and hunting. Polar bears habitat will be impacted greatly, and substinance hunting which is important to indigenous groups; will be affected. According to the article, over 600 million barrels of oil would be produced in a lifetime with this new project. It would also be beneficial to Alaska's economy. However, the project would break several federal statutes causing lawsuits to be filed against the Willow Project. There has been no response from Biden's administration regarding the harms of oil drilling against polar bears, nature, and communities like indigenous groups.

Willow Project In Alaska IN RELATION TO THE AMAZON Oil drilling has become a big problem around the world. The Amazon in Ecuador is an example of what might happen if the Willow Project is started. Health of indigenous groups will be critical. In class we discussed the many things it impacts. This can be from roads being built to access the oil thus destroying trees and wildlife,rivers or waterways polluted with oil, air pollution,etc. This does not only apply to the Amazon but also to other oil drillings like the Willow Project. Much of our everyday items come from oil. We have discussed the use of oil in cars for transportation, consumer goods, house heating, health care products, and so much more. However we are drilling oil and causing harm to many more important things. The picture below is an example of what can be seen if the oil drilling continues in Alaska, similarily to Ecuador.

Amazon, Ecuador MY THOUGHTS A common thing we see with oil drilling is how often it affects indigenous groups. They are the most harmed and fight hard for things like oil drilling to not happen, however we do not listen. On social media there have been multiple petitions made against the Willow Project, however it seems that goals have increased, making it harder for a petition to be completed. In a way I am glad that so many people are listening and teaching others about what is going on. On the other hand, it is deeply upsetting how higher ups do not pay attention. How much more will we continue to harm indigenous communities? Wildlife? Or just nature in general? This is not fair.

Oil Drilling In Alaska

Is Recycling Really Helpful?

Recycling Bins

    Impacts

    Most people grow up thinking that recycling is simple and helpful to the environment. After listening to the podcast "Recycling! Is it BS?" by How to Save a Planet, I have learned that is not the case with everything. Recycling is a climate issue since it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Ayana and Alex explain that materials such as aluminum, glass, and paper are easier to recycle and can be remade. Aluminum can be made over and over again by recycling and the cost to do so is less than an original product. Glass is similar in some ways. There are some forms of glass that cannot be recycled because they have plastic lining inside, or others are   too hard to melt. Overall, the majority of glass is great to recycle and can be used over and over again. Paper is recyclable but after some time it becomes weaker. The process can only be done so many times before the paper won't be usable anymore. Plastic, on the other hand is different. Most plastics can't be recycled, while others have to go through a process more costly than the original plastic. What tends to happen with plastics is down-cycling. For example, we could turn plastics into a jacket like Ayana stated, but once it has become that, there is no way to recycle it again. Over 150 million tons of plastic are single-use. It is interesting how society had to be taught how to throw away this kind of plastic when it was first introduced. People would reuse them. There is a guilt when ordering products that contain additional plastic than what is necessary. This is not our fault because "we did not choose the system", as said by Deia Schlosberg. We buy things that are necessary and that will last for a long period of time, but the way they are packaged is out of our control. I was very intrigued how people's first instinct was to reuse single-use plastics before they were told it had to be thrown away. If that had never happened, maybe we would do a better job with plastic today. 

PET Bottles

My Experience

Based on personal experience, I can relate to Ayana's statement about feeling guilty when buying products that come with extra plastic wrappings. I crochet as a hobby and make my own clothing at times. However, when purchasing items like hooks, needles, or yarn; they all come with additional plastic, sometimes way too much than necessary. Although making personal items can be environmentally friendly, there is still that thought of not really doing anything because I am purchasing items that include too much plastic that cannot be "recycled." Similarly, single use plastics are in everything, and it is incredibly hard to avoid it. Food, drinks, clothing, all everyday items use it. I have been told that buying in bulk is better in order to avoid using too much plastic, however I live alone and for some items I know it could go to waste because I am not capable of using it all; this then makes me question my actions. 

                                                                                                                                Single Use Bottle

Oil Drilling & Plastic Relation

Environmental problems are like a butterfly effect. One issue leads to another. Plastic and oil drilling can be related. Oil drilling is a big problem that affects indigenous groups. According to Vice's video about oil drilling, companies who do this take away land from them, pollute the air in the area, which leads to diseases that affect those living there. Animals are also affected. How is this related? Well, government officials and large companies have a say in what they can do. Since they lead and have the funds to do so, they can drill oil from smaller communities. Plastic use is in every item we have, and although the majority of us are aware of it, there isn't much to be done because companies chose to use abundances of plastic, even when not needed. Of course, plastic use cannot be compared to the effects oil drilling causes to indigenous groups, but we can compare the relation of larger companies say in things. EIA reported that plastic contains minimal oil. The amount is unknown, but it is minimal. Even though it is a small amount, oil is still found in plastic; butterfly effect.

Oil Drilling

How Can We Help?

At Keene State, I have noticed how much single-use plastics we purchase. This adds up to the millions of tons of plastic. Although the majority of people recycle plastic, it is not the best way to help. Continuing to recycle aluminum, glass, and paper is still a good thing to do; however we can do so much more. We tend to forget that reusing is also part of recycling, so that is a good place to start. Ayana in "Recycling! Is it BS?" mentioned that we could use containers to store small items we don't use everyday. In my case, sewing supplies can be stored in cookie tins after properly getting it sanitized. Single use plastics are a big problem, so limiting how much we use can be so helpful.  There are products that are made to be environmentally friendly. This might be expensive for many of us, but it can be a great option for those who can afford it. The way companies convinced society to "properly use" single-use plastics, the same way we can convince companies otherwise. Petitions can be very motivating and can help start a move. In my personal time, I have seen companies change the amounts of plastic they use because of young adults who believe it is wrong. All these examples are little things, but I believe it is important we start with what we can do as one person.

                                                                                                                                     Cookie Tin

Hate to Love: My Favorite Place in Texas

 

Port Aransas, located on the coast of Texas, is a small town that attracts hundreds of tourists daily during summer. The town runs only on small businesses, with less than five franchises. The reason is because residents prefer to keep it this way. My experience in this town was not the best when I first moved to Texas. The town is very small and it gets very crowded. However the one thing that I did enjoy was the beach. From fishing to sandcastle competitions, to surfing lessons, Port A beach is a great place to do it all but only during "winter". Personally, the best time to go is at dawn. It is not crowded, the water is nice and cool, and the view is beautiful. My job was located in this town. You get to meet all kinds of people with different life experiences. The most memorable ones tend to go into town during the winter and stay days at a time. It is very slow during this time, and everything is much more enjoyable. 

            

Port Aransas Beach During Sunrise

                                                                                                                                                                                             Beach at Dawn

 

Hello There!

 My name is Crissia. I am a chemistry major at Keene State College.