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Student: Naomi Hungler, Environmental & Conservation Science and Native Studies Combined Degree (1st year)
Student: Naomi Hungler, Environmental & Conservation Science and Native Studies Combined Degree (1st year)
Course: SOC 291: Environmental Sociology with instructor Dr. Ken Caine (Winter 2024)
Course: SOC 291: Environmental Sociology with instructor Dr. Ken Caine (Winter 2024)
What was the experience like working in collaboration with your community partner, and what projects or roles did you engage in?
What was the experience like working in collaboration with your community partner, and what projects or roles did you engage in?
My CSL placement was with Pesticide Free Edmonton (PFE), a grassroots organization dedicated to eliminating pesticide use around the city—ideally through civic bylaws and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. Working with PFE in a self-directed role allowed me to use a past internship with Elk Island National Park (EINP) to bring a new element of research into PFE's repertoire: how national parks utilize pesticides to manage invasive species.
During your CSL placement, can you share the knowledge and skills you developed in relation to climate change mitigation or sustainability activities?
During your CSL placement, can you share the knowledge and skills you developed in relation to climate change mitigation or sustainability activities?
My project with Pesticide Free Edmonton examined Elk Island's grassland restoration initiative, 'Expand the Land.' More specifically, I investigated how pesticide use, a key management strategy, has impacted ecosystem health while reducing the number of invasive species unpalatable to ungulate diets. After interviewing the project manager and researching program objectives, Expand the Land became a case study within a larger report on pesticide regulation compliance at various government levels —the 'final product' of my project with PFE.
How did you and your community partner meet project objectives aligned with environmentally conscious goals?
How did you and your community partner meet project objectives aligned with environmentally conscious goals?
Inadvertently, this project connected long-time Pesticide Free Edmonton members and Elk Island National Park employees to each other, encouraging the exchange of community resources, field experiences, and dialogue open to future collaboration. Ideally, this project will initiate further research development by future CSL students, hoping to increase public awareness of local pesticide use, ecological impacts, and alternative practices.
Why should students consider being involved with CSL, and how does it enhance their academic learning?
Why should students consider being involved with CSL, and how does it enhance their academic learning?
As a first-year student who has completed two CSL placements this term, I cannot give this program enough praise. The hands-on, learn-as-you-go experience I have gained from CSL is invaluable, especially to new students like myself who are just starting to grow their professional networks. My communication and project coordination abilities have improved tremendously, and I now have experience in an area of environmental conservation I never would have thought to pursue. I would recommend it 10/10.
What advice would you give to another student considering Community Service- Learning?
What advice would you give to another student considering Community Service- Learning?
If CSL is an optional component of your course (it was for SOC 291) and you are unsure if you have the time or ability to commit to it, don't let hesitancy or apprehension stop you. Go to class, check out potential organizations to get involved with, and if an organization's objectives or values catch your attention or make you curious -- just do it. It's easier to make time for CSL when you volunteer with an organization that interests you.
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