10.15.16
9am-2pm
- What course concepts did you see in action?
The plant, soil and water relationships was very pronounced considering the meadow-like parts of the cemetery, the heavily wooded areas, Cobbs creek and any wild life growing naturally. It was also easy to see the ecosystem services that the plants were contributing to from the provisioning of shade, food and shelter for wildlife to the climate regulating to the spiritual and aesthetically pleasing nature of the path that wrapped around and through the cemetery. It was also apparent that the city never quite recovered from the industrial period considering the vacant buildings, warehouses and lots around the perimeters of the city. We contributed to the urban citizenship of this land in order to maintain a forsaken land and the energy flow was clear for us to see. We saw producers (plants) , consumers (animals) and decomposers (invasive species, worms and fungi) first hand. This land was so rich in biodiversity that although it may have looked unkept, the plans for the cemetery showed a necessity for areas to be self maintaining and the reduction of hands on maintenance because of its vast size.
- What did you do? – be very specific – include plant names, soil types, names of groups and individuals
Once we arrived at the site, we all received our groups plot and picked up tools accordingly. For the first half of the work day i used the rake to clean some of the invasive species from graves, helped uproot dead plants, and created piles for pick up. Mark also used the rake to clear most of the debris, Effie, Caroline and Cian used the loppers to cut the larger stems, and the thorn bushes, and Pierce used the hedge trimmers to cut the larger roots and brush to make it easier to rake. We seemed to be clearing rather fast so we took a lunch break with the group, after the break we went back to our plots for about a half hour and then Kate showed us how to plant a tree. After watching Kate we returned to our plots with our plants and started to plant. Mark began digging the holes, Pierce went to get water, the cage and mallet for the posts. After Caroline and Effie watered the newly planted (unmarked) species, I added the cage and sealed the edges. Pierce and mark inserted the posts and hammered them into the group to ensure the plant's safety from deer and weather. After this, we cleaned up our areas and walked back to the bus.
- Speculate: what do you think the impact will be?
The obvious impact is working in the beautification process and the clearing of invasive species. Hopefully out clearing was effective and the new plants that stand will mature and provide a whole list of ecosystem services. Some of the group planted trees which will mature to provide shade, regulate the air and provide for animals. The plants will also serve as a new part of the meadow-like cemetery and add beauty and habitats for insects and animals to thrive in this area.
- What did you do at the event that made you feel that you made a difference and why?
I did not originally think that i would feel like i made a difference when i arrived but as i left, i had a whole new perspective. I think the most inspiring part was that the people we essentially “freed” from the over grown bush can never thank us and that we did not participate in order to get any grand gesture in return. Most of us will never visit that spot again but we can expect that in 50 years our plants will mature, our trees will grow and this spot will be easily accessible for any living relatives that may want to come and visit their loved one. As one of the friends said, she visits almost 5 days a week and anything that makes it a little easier and happier during these visits is worth it. In reality, maybe no one will ever go to this spot again but we have peace of mind that we helped resurface graves that had been covered for decades and centuries. We were an active part of history and the changing landscape of the cemetery.
- How do people contribute to situations or problems you experience in the field?
We were all made aware of the past of this cemetery and the issues it had faced. The human impact can be seen almost anywhere you look. There is trash littered around, tires stacked in piles, broken glass, kicked over headstones, opened vaults, debris left from people squatting and living in the cemetery and it isn't that shocking considering the immediate area surrounding the cemetery. We saw multiple boarded up homes, trash and extreme poverty in this area. On the other side of Philadelphia, it is more of a forgotten land because of its proximity to center city. If the cemetery had a grounds crew, trashcans, bathrooms and was made of more of a public space, the intense dumping and trashing of the cemetery may not have happened but there is no way to know for sure.
1.What course concepts did you see in action?
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