Learning About Ecosystems and Biology While In Recovery

One of the things that resonates most with me about out outdoor adventure trips is our community service project that we did in coordination with the Grand Canyon Trust in Utah. I learn about land conservation and how invasive species greatly impact a particular biosphere in a negative way. I also learned a lot about the Colorado Plateau and how human impact, public policy and money destroys the natural landscapes of this amazing area.

We started off camping near the biggest natural lake in Utah, picked over 8,000 Houndstounge (an invasive weed) in two days, then headed up into the alpines to pick an invasive thistle. We also did a small hike along a scenic river that was so beautiful.

The Grand Canyon Trust does many conservation projects to help protect the Colorado Plateau. I found out that politics plays a major role in land conservation and how corrupt the system really is. The plant biologist from GCT was very knowledgeable about all of the plants and helped us identify plants, thistles and trees. It has taught me an appreciation for what organizations like the GCT do to help environments like the Colorado Plateau. I also learned how severely invasive species hurt environments. They grow uncontrollably and destroy native species. They also harm wildlife and ruin the ecosystem. In conclusion, this trip with the GCT was the most valuable to me because I got to see a lot of Utah and learn something about land conservation. Not only did the GCT open my eyes to protecting public lands. it also gave me an appreciation for why people like Mark the biologist do this for a living. I would like to see the natural beauty of landscapes stay preserved.

For more information about the Grand Canyon Trust, what they do and how you can help, CLICK HERE.

Client Journal Entry by Zach