Today groups A and B split up again after breakfast. Some of us went with Nathan on a hike through campus discussing invasive species of plants and conservation biology. After our hike, Nathan treated us to smoothies and soda drinks at Stirling’s. Nathan and I had a wonderful literary discussion today. The others went with Dr. Evans for a canoe trip on Lake Dimmick. During free time today we finished watching movies and went for bike rides. We had dinner with the admissions staff, in which we discussed the ins and outs of college applications to Sewanee and other universities. After dinner we had a session about the Land Trust for Tennessee. Some of us just finished up a game of Ultimate Frisbee, while others spent the last hour curled up on the couch watching Myth Busters. Clark got stung by a bee today and had an allergic reaction-- I’d say she’s having a rough week.
Danielle Feerst
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
A run to the "Pig"
Tuesday morning we headed out with Dr. Smith to examine the species of white pine and loblolly pine which are invasive in the Domain’s forest and the method that Sewanee faculty, students, and alumni are testing to discourage the spread of these pine species and encourage native species and biodiversity which are thinning. The forested areas on the Domain are home to many species that depend on natural fire disturbances in order to grow and reproduce (Oak for example). Sewanee is currently experimenting with controlled burning on the Domain, which we examined and discussed with Dr. Smith. Although the areas have been burned fairly recently, there are already some signs that the controlled burning might prove successful.
We had a super fun and chill afternoon, visiting Professor Haskell’s home, the Sewanee student’s organic garden, the local farmer’s market, and making a trip to the Piggly Wiggly for snackage. Dr. Haskell and his wife run their home in an effort to live “green” and in accordance with sustainability practices. They have their own organic garden, and raise ducks, goats and rabbits. All of us SEI students found their home to be incredibly well thought out, efficient, but mostly fun. The Haskells are also currently raising a woodpecker which they found injured, and recently adopted a new puppy!
Maddie Divine
We had a super fun and chill afternoon, visiting Professor Haskell’s home, the Sewanee student’s organic garden, the local farmer’s market, and making a trip to the Piggly Wiggly for snackage. Dr. Haskell and his wife run their home in an effort to live “green” and in accordance with sustainability practices. They have their own organic garden, and raise ducks, goats and rabbits. All of us SEI students found their home to be incredibly well thought out, efficient, but mostly fun. The Haskells are also currently raising a woodpecker which they found injured, and recently adopted a new puppy!
Maddie Divine
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Controlled burning
Today, the SEI students began their day like any other with a trip to McClurg Hall for breakfast. We all headed over to Spencer Hall for our eight a.m meeting time for our morning session with Professor Smith. We toured an area of land which Sewanee students had chosen certain unwanted trees and plants to be logged out to try to restore the land to its “ natural state.” Certain pines such as white pines and loblolly pines were the ones removed. The college students also began controlled burns to kill the underbrush and destroy extra debris. The goal was to help the hard-wood trees such as oak, maple, and hickory make a come-back in the woods. The case study was created to see if the logging and burning of the introduced trees would help restore the land to what we believe it was like before European contact. We hiked the land and saw what plants and trees were making a comeback. After the morning session, we hopped back into the vans and headed to McClurg for lunch.
After lunch, we were able to tour the biology and chemistry departments and their laboratories. The SEI students also helped out at the school's organic garden. Following these events, the students were able to visit Professor Haskell’s home where we saw his impressive garden, livestock, and his adorable new puppy which is still unnamed. It would appear that he and his wife are almost “self-sufficient.” Finally, before the end of the day, a small group, including myself, chose to try and conquer a sand-stone wall on the Domain. This is commonly known as “bouldering.” After a full day, we are grateful to return to our dorm to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Joe Gonzalez
After lunch, we were able to tour the biology and chemistry departments and their laboratories. The SEI students also helped out at the school's organic garden. Following these events, the students were able to visit Professor Haskell’s home where we saw his impressive garden, livestock, and his adorable new puppy which is still unnamed. It would appear that he and his wife are almost “self-sufficient.” Finally, before the end of the day, a small group, including myself, chose to try and conquer a sand-stone wall on the Domain. This is commonly known as “bouldering.” After a full day, we are grateful to return to our dorm to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Joe Gonzalez
Musings by Jeff
Today we experienced the joy of killing trees to make way for new, far more superior trees. I am of course referring to forestry. We traveled by van along a shady gravel road. Later we learned that it was shaded so well because the treacherous Eastern white pines along it had leaned in, trying to deny us of sunlight so that we would die like all the other living things it had conquered. The professor leading us was Dr. Ken Smith, who had come to Sewanee after seeing too much sap shed in the tropics. He was determined that the Eastern white pine would not suck the life out of the native oaks. At least, not while he had a breath left in his body.
Once at the site we toured around, and saw the ruts where Dr. Smith had been forced to call in reinforcements in the form of loggers. He showed us the blackened wood piles where he had burned bodies of trees that had fought against his students through the cold winter months and the long hot summers. We identified many native trees, or as I will call them, the good guys. Also, we compared the sites where Dr. Smith had simply burned the camp of the enemy rather than cut them down.
After seeing the aftermath of this great battle, all of our twenty-five thousand troops (at least it felt like that) crammed into one van and we left. As we rode down the ridiculously bumpy road we mourned for the compromises made, the lives lost, the necessary community networking that ultimately led to compromise (didn’t see that coming).
We had lunch. I ate food. It was good. That’s all you need to know.
Next, our grand adventure led us into the realm of Dr. Bachman, head of undergraduate research. We toured around the Biology and Chemistry labs in Spencer Hall. We saw many wondrous things with names that cannot be pronounced. And, we managed to stumble upon a prime specimen of the most rare kind. The summer laboratory assistant. Luckily, these dangerous creatures were kept in a locked room with wide, reinforced windows so that we could examine them in safety.
With our hearts pounding from this close encounter of (almost) the third kind we continued our journey to the organic garden of Sewanee. Sun, lots of sun. I was given the job of whacking the long grass with some type of tool, don’t ask me why, I just enjoyed trying to kill grass and any living thing that came in reach of my awesome, manual, weed whacker. On a completely unrelated topic, I noticed that while I was working, many of the other students chose to take a break. Although, when I stopped the continued to just sit there. I tried to faint of heatstroke to get their attention but it did not work. The fainting, not the getting their attention.
Then, as a reprieve from our many hours of labor, we were taken to the farmers market, to stare at vegetables. I, personally, had a lot of fun.
I know you are waiting at the edge of your seat to hear the end of this epic tale. But, I must take a moment to make a personal shout-out to my friends and family. You people I’m supposed to have been inspired by have really inspired me in so many ways. I just can’t remember any of them at this time. Don’t ask me later either ‘cause you know I’m bad at pop quizzes. Or any quiz. Did any of you teach me how to study? Wow, I am bad at this shout-out thing.
Quick, back to the story of our day. After all of this drama, we finally made it back to the safety of Spencer Hall. There, we listened to a talk by Martin Pate, the guy who makes people pick up litter and tells them to be green. He told us that if we don’t become green soon, we face the end of the world. This made me pause and think. First, who cares? The year 2012? Hello? It’s a little too late. Then, I thought to myself, Why should we be green? With envy? That guy has a better Smart car. Or, that guy only takes a shower once a week to minimize water usage. Personally, I am envious. Imagine what it must be like to be able to knock anyone out by simply lifting your armpits. Hmm… Maybe that’s not it. Perhaps someone didn’t brush their teeth today. Uh-oh. Now we really are talking about loss of human life. Us.
With this valuable change in perspective, I wandered back to the dorm thinking about sleeping when I saw a post-it note telling me I had to write this blog thing. It is now three o clock in the morning. I hope you’re happy.
Jeff Hoagland
(editor's note.. overly-dramatic Jeff submitted this at 9:12 pm - don't believe everything you read)
Once at the site we toured around, and saw the ruts where Dr. Smith had been forced to call in reinforcements in the form of loggers. He showed us the blackened wood piles where he had burned bodies of trees that had fought against his students through the cold winter months and the long hot summers. We identified many native trees, or as I will call them, the good guys. Also, we compared the sites where Dr. Smith had simply burned the camp of the enemy rather than cut them down.
After seeing the aftermath of this great battle, all of our twenty-five thousand troops (at least it felt like that) crammed into one van and we left. As we rode down the ridiculously bumpy road we mourned for the compromises made, the lives lost, the necessary community networking that ultimately led to compromise (didn’t see that coming).
We had lunch. I ate food. It was good. That’s all you need to know.
Next, our grand adventure led us into the realm of Dr. Bachman, head of undergraduate research. We toured around the Biology and Chemistry labs in Spencer Hall. We saw many wondrous things with names that cannot be pronounced. And, we managed to stumble upon a prime specimen of the most rare kind. The summer laboratory assistant. Luckily, these dangerous creatures were kept in a locked room with wide, reinforced windows so that we could examine them in safety.
With our hearts pounding from this close encounter of (almost) the third kind we continued our journey to the organic garden of Sewanee. Sun, lots of sun. I was given the job of whacking the long grass with some type of tool, don’t ask me why, I just enjoyed trying to kill grass and any living thing that came in reach of my awesome, manual, weed whacker. On a completely unrelated topic, I noticed that while I was working, many of the other students chose to take a break. Although, when I stopped the continued to just sit there. I tried to faint of heatstroke to get their attention but it did not work. The fainting, not the getting their attention.
Then, as a reprieve from our many hours of labor, we were taken to the farmers market, to stare at vegetables. I, personally, had a lot of fun.
I know you are waiting at the edge of your seat to hear the end of this epic tale. But, I must take a moment to make a personal shout-out to my friends and family. You people I’m supposed to have been inspired by have really inspired me in so many ways. I just can’t remember any of them at this time. Don’t ask me later either ‘cause you know I’m bad at pop quizzes. Or any quiz. Did any of you teach me how to study? Wow, I am bad at this shout-out thing.
Quick, back to the story of our day. After all of this drama, we finally made it back to the safety of Spencer Hall. There, we listened to a talk by Martin Pate, the guy who makes people pick up litter and tells them to be green. He told us that if we don’t become green soon, we face the end of the world. This made me pause and think. First, who cares? The year 2012? Hello? It’s a little too late. Then, I thought to myself, Why should we be green? With envy? That guy has a better Smart car. Or, that guy only takes a shower once a week to minimize water usage. Personally, I am envious. Imagine what it must be like to be able to knock anyone out by simply lifting your armpits. Hmm… Maybe that’s not it. Perhaps someone didn’t brush their teeth today. Uh-oh. Now we really are talking about loss of human life. Us.
With this valuable change in perspective, I wandered back to the dorm thinking about sleeping when I saw a post-it note telling me I had to write this blog thing. It is now three o clock in the morning. I hope you’re happy.
Jeff Hoagland
(editor's note.. overly-dramatic Jeff submitted this at 9:12 pm - don't believe everything you read)
Just a typical day at SEI
Today we hiked down into Lost Cove with Dr. Haskell. We had our eyes peeled for the rare tiger snail species among the limestone outcroppings. On the way we encountered snake skin, mountain laurel, buckeye, sour wood, yellow wood, bass wood, witch hazel, raccoon tracks, sycamore, walking ferns, iron wood, sweet gum, and many other species. We found hand fulls of snails and snail shells, and a lucky few SEIers found some of the rare striped tiger snails. On the hike out we found hundreds of delicious red raspberries and I found an arrow head. It is very interesting to think about all the people that have lived here before us. Back on campus we completed the day with swimming, bike riding, and star gazing. Just the typical kind of SEI experience.
Thomas Walters
Thomas Walters
Monday, July 5, 2010
Limestone and Kidney Stones
Today we went snail hunting in Lost Cove. It was a very long walk and we had tons of fun walking down the side of the plateau!!! Once we got to the bottom of the plateau we walked through a riverbed, which was very challenging but fun! We were looking for the rare tiger snail… we found a few but not much. They mostly live in the limestone rock.
This weekend was very fun as well. On Saturday we walked around the arts and crafts show. There were some EXTREMELY cute puppies that we were all tempted to take home! After that we went to the parade and hung out for the rest of the day until our scavenger hunt at night. On Sunday some of us went to church and out to breakfast but we all met up at one o’clock for a hike to Fiery gizzard where we went cliff jumping and swimming! Then we all got back and headed out the see the fireworks show at Lake Cheston which was great!
And Clark Courtney passed her kidney stone!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel Durkan
(editor's note..no puppies will be coming home on Saturday)
This weekend was very fun as well. On Saturday we walked around the arts and crafts show. There were some EXTREMELY cute puppies that we were all tempted to take home! After that we went to the parade and hung out for the rest of the day until our scavenger hunt at night. On Sunday some of us went to church and out to breakfast but we all met up at one o’clock for a hike to Fiery gizzard where we went cliff jumping and swimming! Then we all got back and headed out the see the fireworks show at Lake Cheston which was great!
And Clark Courtney passed her kidney stone!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel Durkan
(editor's note..no puppies will be coming home on Saturday)
SEI celebrates the Fourth of July
Weekend: On July 3rd, the town of Sewanee held its annual 4th of July celebration. My friends and I enjoyed having breakfast at Stirlings, a local coffee shop, and browsing the different attractions like the craft fair and the mutt show. Then, at 1 pm, the SEI group met up on the quad and watched the town's parade together which was a lot of fun. On the actual 4th of July, the SEI group went down to Fiery Gizzard, a local state park, and went on a short hike that ended at a small lake where we jumped off of cliffs and rocks into the water. That night, our group went and listened to a local band called "The Culprits" who played at Lake Cheston, which was followed by an amazing fireworks display. It was a great weekend!
Monday: Today, the whole group went on a hike with Dr. Haskell, a biology professor at Sewanee. We were trying to locate endangered tiger snails that live in Lost Cove, a recent addition to the Sewanee domain. We hiked for the most part in a dried up riverbed where we stumbled over large, moss covered rocks while looking for rare snail shells. We would occasionally stop and listen to Dr. Haskell talk about a distinct bird call or animal species that we encountered. The hike was exhausting: we left at nine in the morning and returned at three in the afternoon. However, it was fascinating and I had fun navigating the rough terrain with the other SEI students.
Lily Watson
Monday: Today, the whole group went on a hike with Dr. Haskell, a biology professor at Sewanee. We were trying to locate endangered tiger snails that live in Lost Cove, a recent addition to the Sewanee domain. We hiked for the most part in a dried up riverbed where we stumbled over large, moss covered rocks while looking for rare snail shells. We would occasionally stop and listen to Dr. Haskell talk about a distinct bird call or animal species that we encountered. The hike was exhausting: we left at nine in the morning and returned at three in the afternoon. However, it was fascinating and I had fun navigating the rough terrain with the other SEI students.
Lily Watson
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