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NWP Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists - New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

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New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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sbrody



Registered: May 2010
City/Town/Province: tinton falls
Posts: 1
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I am a rising junior at Rutgers University, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, in New Brunswick, NJ. I am studying plant science and agroecology. In addition to my academic work, I am involved in research in medicinal plants and pollination ecology. Ultimately, my goal is to develop and promote sustainable agricultural practices. An active member of the campus community, I am a member of Students for Environmental Awareness, Alpha Zeta, and the student government.
Inspired by reports in both the popular press and scientific journals, as well as by my work with leading pollination ecologist Rachel Winfree, I planned an event to educate the general public about pollination. I hoped to spread awareness about the situation our native pollinators are in and promote activities that will help protect these important creatures. I also hoped that this event would increase overall interest in environmental causes, as membership in the campus environmental club has declined over the years.
The product of my inspiration, ideas, and planning, I hosted “Bee My Honey” in February 2010 to promote awareness of the importance of native pollinators and the issues surrounding them. The event was held at the campus center and was open to all students. There was much planning and organization involved. I first secured the viewing rights to the short documentary film “Pollen Nation” and then reached out to potential speakers as well as corporations that may have been interested in donating. In both tasks I was successful – university professor Rachel Winfree, graduate student Elena Tartaglia, beekeeper Bill Coniglio, and NJ apiculturist Tim Schuler all graciously agreed to present. Haagen-Dazs, Stonyfield Farm, Organic Valley, Lara Bar, Green Mountain Coffee, and several local honey producers provided refreshments.
The aforementioned experts presented on topics ranging from native pollinator protection to chemical-free beekeeping. Screening of a short educational film (“Pollen Nation”) followed.
Nearly 100 students attended the event and came away with a greater interest in and familiarity with the situation. Our environmental organization gained two new members and the event was also featured in the university newspaper. In fact, students have e-mailed one of our speakers to inquire about which plants will attract moth pollinators.
I hope to work closely with the NJ Beekeepers Association and pollination researchers to hold this event again next February, perhaps with different speakers and more information booths. I plan to have an event more similar to an expo, where students can visit different tables and speak one-on-one with professionals
This summer I will study tropical agroecology in Costa Rica. Upon my return, I will resume work with Professor Winfree on pollination ecology, specifically how crop diversity on farms affects the pollinator population. In the fall, I plan to work with Students for Environmental Awareness on several events and campaigns, including a showing of the movie “Dirt,” collaborating with the Northeast Organic Farming Association, distributing CFLs, and collecting materials for the NJ company TerraCycle.
Date: May 15, 2010 Views: 5547 File size: 19.1kb, 88.8kb : 720 x 540
Hours Volunteered: 100
Volunteers: 10
Authors Age & Age Range of Volunteers: 18 to 22
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