Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

Nature is our best friend. God created it for us. The more we maintain it, the more it gives us back. My personal belief is that it is very crucial to preserve it and make sure that our coming generations enjoy its warmth and play in its lap. So, the more I do to preserve it, the more satisfaction I get. Therefore, I was extremely fascinated by the idea of doing an Apprentice Ecologist project on behalf of the Nicodemus Wilderness Project.
I conducted the project in Unwin Park on behalf of the G- force club in our school in partnership with City of Surrey. This park is located in Surrey and is surrounded by residential area. It was almost covered with grass and plants which were making environment unhealthy and preventing the growth of fresh plants. We called our project â€œFriends of the Forestâ€ invasive blackberry removal. Our task was to remove blackberry plants which were averting the growth of native flora. We opted this as it was essential to keep up the vegetation growth to have a green and clean environment. On the first day, we attained training from an experienced environment worker who educated us on conducting this project. She also taught us about the importance of the environment and the need to conserve it. We also learnt about different tools used. It was an informative experience which encouraged us to take more and more initiatives. We carried out the project with passion and determination. We wanted to make sure that we could give maximum contribution towards this cause. I had a lot of fun and satisfaction while doing it. We were able to get rid of invasive species in one full area.
This area needed innovation for its healthy future. There are many residential areas around it which require neatness to live in a healthy fashion and prevent the spread of diseases to keep them sanitary for everyone. Not only this area, it is also important to take care of many areas around the world which need immediate attention. Everyone should try something like this project to preserve plant species. Our community was impressed with our efforts and everyone blessed us to do more and more. The environment became hygienic and uncontaminated than before. Children were looking at us in awe. They were probably encouraged to do something for mother earth as well.
I conducted this project with the help of my friends who helped me to make it more exciting and fun. The days we performed it, we went home with smiles on our face. We knew that this was going to be a big part of our life. We were overjoyed after the success our work was getting and my friends thanked me for making them a part of this wonderful experience.
This project enhanced my self- esteem and confidence. I thought I was actually performing something for my environment and paying back. It inspired me to change my prospective. Earlier, I wanted to do something for the environment but also used to think that my effort wonâ€™t make any difference for the declining environment. I knew that it needed immediate attention but my preconceived notion used to overcome my desire. But, now, after experimenting practically, my endeavour changed the condition of the park completely. Everyone is impressed by this alteration as it is providing an infection- free life for them. Now, I understood that even a small attempt can influence many lives and make a long- term effect. I am sure that this will further change the perspective of other people and persuade them to make a difference in the world.
In a nutshell, this project has changed my life to a big extent and I have become more and more environment- friendly. I will continue to perform more and more tasks to protect my surroundings and persuade people around me as well.