Mount Moriah Cemetary Stewardship 10/15/16

What did we do?
Mark, Effi, Cian, Veronyca, and I helped the Friends of Mount Moriah clear invasive species and plant holly bushes in place. We left from Temple Campus at 9 A.M, arrived at Mount Moriah cemetery 9:30, and worked until 2.  Kate and other members of the Friends of Mount Moriah told us the history of Mount Moriah cemetery, going from being in the wilderness at creation to being surrounded by an urban environment. We used rakes to pull away much of the debris and used clippers to cut roots. We then learned how to plant the holly bushes. Key points were the depth and width of the hole and to leave the root flair uncovered. We then enclosed the planted bush into wire as deer are known to feast on the holly bush. After we were done we said our goodbyes and left on the bus back to Temple.
Course Concepts
Course concepts that were on display were how invasive species could dominate an area. Most of the area was covered with vines and sticks which seemed to takeover the environment as there was not any plants among them. This was most likely due to the plant taking up all the areas nutrients and making it very difficult for other plants to survive. It also showed how urban development can affect ecology as there were many abandoned lots. When these lots were put in, they most likely destroyed wild-life that was previously on the land. Now that the lots are vacant it seems that the wild-life was destroyed for no reason.

 What do you think the impact will be?
I think the impact we had may seem minimal to us as there is acres of Mount Moriah that is still covered by invasive species. However, the impact we had in clearing a burial site for someone is profound in that a burial site is for loved ones to remember those who past and while both are important, uncovering this seems like it could make a larger impact on someone than clearing an invasive species
 Describe the most difficult/satisfying aspects of your urban stewardship work?
The most difficult part was clearing the invasive species. It required different tools as clearing stray branches was easy but untangling groups of branches by cutting through roots was sometimes difficult. It was also satisfying as we were able to see the progress we were making by clearing a portions of our area at a time. It was also satisfying planting the holly bushes in the area we cleared
 How do people contribute to situations or problems you experience in the field?
People as a whole certainly contribute to the loss of green space by urbanization. When it was occurring at first, it may have seemed and most likely was cost effective in terms of removing green space to to build. However, I do not think these projects are always thought of in a long term way as many of these structures are now vacant and urban green space is dwindling. Because people cause this loss, I feel it is only right people also help urban restoration efforts