Ecosystem Services and Land Use

Today's trips into the FGCU Food Forest and nature trails were not my first experiences enjoying these spaces. I have been blessed to have been able to spend many days enjoying nature's abundance through foraging, meditating, or observing wildlife. To me, the Food Forest is one of the greatest symbols of student achievement that FGCU has available for public viewing. The fact that it is a direct application of permaculture design using student ingenuity and funds is incredible. It is an ever-changing, yet lasting landmark for future generations in the community to see what is possible when sustainable food systems are put into practice. I love that it is a space that is not only open to feeding FGCU students, but also visitors in the community. Food insecurity is a real issue that can be combated through growing a sharing food within the community.

Trail canopy

I learned about the mulberries last year as summer rolled around and I was very eager to forage them again. Not only can we not purchase them in stores, but there is something very satisfying about picking the food with your own hands. I was also excited to see the avocados growing and I hope this year I will be around to have one. My friend, who ran service learning for the Food Forest, told me that these specific avocados were the best tasting ones she had ever had. Surprisingly enough, I didn't know there were Jack fruit trees too, with plenty to go around! There is so much more food there than most people can even recognize. While the trails don't have a focus on food providing plants, they are abundant with life and a peaceful serenity that can only be experienced in an undisturbed wild habitat. Both places support FGCU's mission of sustainability by providing shining examples of the abundance that nature has to offer. Through experiencing these places, people can step beyond the human dominated landscape and hopefully gain a better understanding of why nature should be protected.

Dry period in the cypress dome 

The surrounding landscape of FGCU provides ecosystem services like flood prevention, climate regulation, and erosion control. Natural humus soil allows for water drainage and the wide range of land disperses it. The tree canopies provide shade and cooler temperatures for plants and animals below. These trees also regulate the carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange affecting the atmosphere. The plant life also holds the ground together with their combined root systems. This is especially helpful when there is a collection of water. The trails also provide the cultural services of education and recreation to students like me. Because the land already provides a supporting service in biodiversity, students can directly experience Florida's natural habit.

Osprey in a pine tree,