FGCU Food Forest

             There is no place on campus like the FGCU Food Forest. Quite frankly, I personally have never been to a food forest before this experience. Prior to the trip, I was unaware FGCU even had a food forest and could only guess as to what a food forest truly is.
             Upon arrival as we walked into the entrance I knew I was in for something entirely different from what I had imagined. I learned so much I honestly don't know where to start without writing an entire encyclopedia, with volumes regarding each plant and it's purpose. Heck I could even write a short story solely about how the food forest came to be.
As we journeyed through the food forest the first plant that fascinated me was the Moringa. This plant is indigenous to Africa and is essentially, THE super plant. If I was stranded on an island with Moringa trees, I guarantee you I'd be the most nutritious island survivor in history. Gram for gram the Moringa plant has more vitamin C than six oranges, the potassium of three bananas, the calcium equivalent to four gallons of milk and twice as much protein, as much carotene as four carrots, three times more vitamin E than spinach, and three times as much iron as almonds. No, none of that is exaggerated; the Moringa is the Holy Grail of nutritious crops. Mind you this is only the first of many fascinating crops found in the FGCU Food Forest.
             The whole principle and history of the FGCU Food Forest embraces sustainable food and is a living statue showing how much of an impact individuals can make towards sustainability. The food forest is very young, and completely student run. It was founded, and is still managed by self driven, like minded students, individuals and alumni who believe in sustainable food and support the ecological mission of the University. The entire food forest is so organized and scientifically laid out to create the perfect ecological environment. For example, the banana trees are placed at the lowest point all the way in the back of the forest to retain all moisture possible from run off and drainage. Pineapples are planted on a bank tilted at a specific angle and direction to obtain optimal sunlight and keep the rain water from drowning the plant. Fire bush (pictured below) is abundant in the entire food forest yet each plant is strategically placed to be a key pollinator for it's surrounding plants. The Fire bush is the host plant of the Zebra butterfly which always comes back to this specific plant to breed caterpillars. Therefore creating a sustainable, natural, and ecological cycle of constant pollination.

I believe all students should be aware of the FGCU Food Forest in hopes to expand it's future and to enlighten students of how easily possible it is to live and eat sustainably regardless of excuses.

Food Forest

             Sense of place; such a statement can be interpreted in an abundance of ways. To find a deeper understanding of my own sense of place, I walked around my current environment. Living in North Lake is much different than living in a house or apartment off campus. Everywhere I look I see a prominent focus on environmental importance.
             I started my exploration walking down the waterfront of North Lake. Immediately I noticed the almost excessive amount of Palmetto ferns (pictured below). As I kept walking down the lake I heard and saw multiple fish quickly breaking the surface of the water. I always knew there was wildlife in the lake but to disconnect from everything else and simply take time to appreciate it truly shows the extent of wildlife I take for granted while paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and simply enjoying my current backyard. I presumed by the time I made it back to my building I would have learned enough; to my surprise I felt inspired to finish my evening with a late night exploration of the nature trails. This was fascinating to say the least. As I entered the nature trail I was very nervous, there was hardly any moon light and I could barely see my palm before my eyes. The fear of the unknown dwelled in the back of my mind as I journeyed deeper into the unfamiliar terrain. Minutes later I realized my eyes had adjusted to the darkness and I could see everything clear as a bobcat with flawless night vision. My fear of the unknown had vanished and for a brief moment I legitimately felt as one with nature. It was at this moment that I understood my sense of place. I felt primal but I knew I as a human am THE keystone species in such an environment. I realized the impact I as a living organism leave on the environment and it was truly enlightening. After a few minutes of star gazing on the trail and simply taking in the whole experience, I returned to my dorm feeling the most "down to earth" I've felt in a while. I wouldn't be surprised if I make a similar spontaneous late night adventure soon.