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NWP Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists - Lee Creek, Natural Dam, Arkansas, USA

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Lee Creek, Natural Dam, Arkansas, USA
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kdavis27



Registered: December 2012
City/Town/Province: Fort Smith
Posts: 1
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Being raised in the natural state, my heart has always bled for the breathtaking sights that the natural world exposes. I have always found myself amazed by the innumerable wonders of the earth. Being able to conduct an Apprentice Ecologist project on behalf of the Nicodemus Wilderness Project was just an outlet to not only express my undying love of nature, but also to be a part of something that helps to preserve the beautiful planet on which we are lucky enough to reside.
Lee Creek in Natural Dam, Arkansas is a thriving oasis. The currents that sweep through the creek move my heart, and my soul sways with the trees as the humid Arkansas air gently rustles their leaves. It truly serves as an escape from the struggle and strife of our modern lives. Lee Creek is a paradise to me.
The fact that some don’t appreciate its worth and can blatantly disrespect the natural beauty that the creek possesses by littering its forest and water with their own personal trash completely astonishes and breaks my heart. While hiking, my partner and I noticed glass bottles, plastic bags, fast food bags and cups, and even clothing. We took this disrespect to heart, and worked to rebuild the dignity that the creek deserves by cleaning up and recycling the man-made filth that has been deposited in and around the crystal waters of my absolute favorite place. We set out with our trash bags and our ambition to restore the clarity of Lee Creek.
This project provides a clean creek for not only us, but for everyone who visits the site. We hoped to provide a clean oasis, but also we strived to set an example to visitors of this rich natural site, so that as a whole, we may all keep this sanctuary as pure as it can possibly be. Though a small effort compared to the vastness of the universe, it is a huge help to the organisms that inhabit the area. Even by saving a few living things, I know that I have made a change in the world.
By executing this clean up, my heart was opened even further to the precious nature of this astonishing world. I learned that it is up to us, the children of the universe, to preserve, cherish, and protect the sanctity of the earth. We are here to enjoy the splendors that this planet presents to us, however in that pleasure we are obligated to maintain and foster its divinity. I have been inspired to spread my love of the earth through future practices of preservation of the lands and waters of the world.
Emerson said, “When nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it.” This project has taught me that nature has created us all to care for her, even with acts as simple as cleaning up a small creek in a tiny Arkansas town, we must act as caretakers for this beautiful planet.
Date: December 31, 2012 Views: 5480 File size: 8.9kb, 170.8kb : 768 x 1024
Hours Volunteered: 10
Volunteers: 2
Authors Age & Age Range of Volunteers: 17 & 17
Trash Removed/Recycled from Environment (kg): 6.4
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