Research 4

• Link

The link is to the Candlestick Point Eco-Stewards website. The organization consists of  "a multi-generational and multi-cultural cohort of youth, volunteers, supporters, environmental educators, habitat restoration specialists, community organizers and social justice advocates dedicated to connecting people to local urban open spaces to restore ecology, improve environmental health and strengthen community." Their mission is to work through exological restoration, community engagement, and public education. They host regular meet ups where they work to beautify the area. You can volunteer, donate, or even contact them to schedule a special event for your group. 

Research 3

• Link

The link above explains how the Bayfront Park is littered with garbage. This is because they are "one of the largest homeless shelters in Miami. Each night, [they] have upwards of 100 people sleeping in the park. Those people bring with them cardboard, food products, and general stuff that is necessary when you are out on the street. When they get up in the morning, they leave that behind" (Schmand). However, park staff work on daily maintenance, volunteers come on a monthly basis to help beautify the area, and the Forever Bloom Alliance even hosted a clean up on November 14th. People are encouraged to join these volunteer groups and events to help clean up the park. 

Research 2.2

• Article

The article above explains how California plans to cut back on environmental restoration (claim). Governor Jerry Brown's plan for the San Joaquin River Delta project was to "build massive tunnels under the Delta, this time significantly reducing the project's environmental restoration work" (Rogers) (evidence). Though it brings down the cost from $25 billion to $17 million, it was harshly criticized by many environmental groups.  They claimed that it would damage the delta by reducing the amount of water that flows into it. The article concludes with Brown standing firm with his decision. 

Research 1.1

• Article

The article above explains why biodiversity is in crisis. Biodiversity has decreased to the extent that "Every day species’ extinctions are continuing at up to 1,000 times or more the natural rate." (IUCN) (claim). The main threats to biodiversity are habitat loss and degradation, introducing invasive alien species to the environment, over-exploitation of natural resources, and even climate change (evidence). The article concludes by urging readers to work to maintain the environment to prevent further losses to biodiversity. 

"Big Ideas"

For my Big Ideas project, I will be working on environmental restoration Tule Ponds, a local park in our community. While originally I wanted my Big Idea project to relate to animals, the sudden addition of groups to this project forced me to instead change my idea. So, my group and I will be working to restore and maintain the area. Some ideas we have are weeding/planting, littering prevention, and etc. It is important because we will be helping the environment by conserving biodiversity (especially considering how there isn't much to begin with). Our goal is to preserve biodiversity by making an impact in our local community.

Research 2

• Article

The article above explains how "no kill" shelters lack the funds necessary to support the animals, and as a result either turn away animals or keep them in bad conditions (claim). "Most, if not all, of the animals who are turned away from such facilities still face untimely deaths—just not at these facilities." For the animals that are kept, there have even been cases of malnourishment, hoarding, etc. The article lists several cases of such abuse (evidence).

While I don't entirely agree with the article on certain points (especially their pro-euthanasia sentiments), it effectively highlights the issue of lack of funding in animal shelters. 

Research 1

• Article

The article above explains how the Humane Educational society plans to cut ties with Hamilton County due to a lack of funds (claim). This is primarily due to the Hamilton county providing the shelter with minimal funds (evidence). As a result, the shelter is in poor condition and the workers are paid less. "If funding is not increased, the shelter will no longer be able to accept every animal that arrives at its door, and instead will only take animals they know will quickly find new homes" (Anderson). 

This is a good example of animal shelters and the lack of funding- along with its subsequent results. If the shelter does stop serving the Hamilton County, animals would only be taken in if they're easily adoptable, and less desirable animals would be cast out.