Registration for the 2019 Sharks and Service (SAS) Spring Service trip to Macon, GA is open. Students will work with an organization called “Rebuilding Macon” to assist in placing accommodations in people’s houses for those who need it. This includes wheelchair ramps, wider doors, safer steps and other accommodations for those in need.
Previously, on the weekend of Oct. 19, SAS held their Environmental October Weekend service trip at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples. While there, students were able to learn about the ecosystem of Corkscrew while positively contributing to the environment and surrounding community.
The aim of the event was to give students who care about or want to learn about the environment a chance to do so while giving back to the community.
Andrea Dobo, a second-year graduate assistant, said SAS tries to provide service trips that can apply to people of different interest groups and that the October service trip is traditionally the environmental awareness trip.
“For our October environmental [trip] we try to get our environmental students involved with a specific issue. It’s a lot of hands on and getting dirty so it’s a lot of fun,” said Dobo.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a large swamp located east of Naples. Home to many different species of wildlife including alligators, otters, deer and turtles, the sanctuary provided a place for students to learn about a type of biome that is prevalent in Florida.
While on the trip, students learned about and cut down the invasive species Phragmites, a species of reed that has a native North American type as well as a non-native, invasive Eurasian type that has spread widely across the Americas, especially in the Florida Everglades.
“The students got to learn about what Phragmites do to the environment, like when we cut them, what’s going to happen with the water flow and the other plants in the area and the animals as well,” Dobo said.
When asked about the trip, students responded positively about their experience as a whole with SAS.
“The trip to Corkscrew was eye opening,” said Trisha Kate Cesar, a student who attended the trip. “I was put into uncomfortable and new situations and it really helped me learn to appreciate the beauty of nature all around us.”
For those who want to get involved with SAS, connect through the SAS OrgSync portal at orgsync.com/139343/chapter.
