Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

Kappa Alpha Order Enters the Wild

The 70 brothers of Kappa Alpha Order are not merely gentlemen in the social culture in riverside, but also in the environment that surrounds us. A gentleman is respectful to all things, and strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character. In considering ourselves gentlemen, we find that the expectations to act more mature and hold ourselves to a higher set of standards have increased. Advocates of excellence, we are a brotherhood that supports and helps make better men out of each other. One action taken to get closer to our aim is community service. The community around us is just as much a part of us as we are of it because we are members of it as both an organization and human beings. For us to look good, we need for our community to look good as well. To help make that possible, we decided to clean up a part of it. We picked some place where wildlife is left to itself, picked up trash, and bonded as brothers.

Along the 60 freeway in Riverside, California, there are undeveloped lands: no houses, roads, or facilities. With thousands of bushes and rolling hills with scattered boulders naturally oriented, this area flocks with rabbits, squirrels, foxes, insects, road runners and other birds.

At around 3:00 pm, we picked out a spot that was littered with trash. Our caravan exited the freeway and found someplace close to park and we made our way onto the hillside. We found many obscure things such as mops and a toaster oven, and picnic garbage such cups and paper bags. Several road runners sprinted by and it gave us a warm sensation inside. It was as though their run by was their form of thanking us for cleaning up their home (hey, it could be).

Field trips such as the one we had are great ways to strengthen the bonds that we brothers already have together. Accomplishing something beneficial to the environment just made the experience feel even more worthy. This task was definitely something we wouldnâ€™t mind doing again. It opened up our hearts to helping the animal community around us, and not just the human community. We are already keeping in touch with several other wildlife organizations for community service, and hopefully be able to help out animals in ways other than picking up trash. All we need is the guidance of an organization which has the animals in need of help.

Keeping our community clean is one of many steps necessary for improvement. As gentlemen, we look forward to improving the greater picture to which we belong. Picking up trash from an undeveloped area, where trash does not belong, is one of many little things that if improved upon, would bring forth a better place to live.