# data[].attributes.body
For my first community engagement opportunity, I decided I wanted to help oversee basil plants for the Friends of the Poor Collaboration project. On Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, I visited the greenhouse on the lower floor of the Natural and Health Sciences Building.

Upon arriving, I was greeted by my instructor, an upperclassman science major, and a peer from my class. Instead of helping with basil seeds, the assignment went in a bit of a different direction. We were told to help the upperclassmen with a project they needed to complete. They were conducting an experiment working with both milkweed and poppy seeds and needed help planting the remaining seeds. Different batches of seeds were kept in various conditions. For example, some milkweed seeds were kept in a baggy with a very damp paper towel, while others were kept in a semi-moist baggy. Others were completely dry. This same separation was done with the poppy seeds. We needed to plant the seeds in separate carriers based on the conditions they were kept in. For her experiment, one seed had to be placed in each pod. A single tray was made up of six pods. After completing the amount of trays she needed for each seed type and condition, we labeled the trays and spritzed them with a light mist of water before setting them on the greenhouse shelves.

Once this part was complete, I technically was done with my half hour of work. I was having so much fun and really enjoyed being in the greenhouse, so I asked if I could stay another 20-30 minutes to help out more. There were still so many seeds that could be planted, and the process was tedious. I worked more on the poppy seeds, which were so tiny that it was extremely difficult to grab just one at a time. I was never aware of how tiny poppy seeds are, and I think it's amazing that something that tiny can grow into a plant. Throughout my time helping with the seeds, I learned multiple things. Firstly, I learned how to fill each pod with soil. I had to make sure the soil did not fill the pod too much. Also, when laying the seeds in the soil, I only had to slightly lay them under the topsoil so as not to suffocate them. This was new to me. Previously, I would assume the seeds would go much deeper into the soil. Relating what I learned to class, this opportunity helped me better understand how much care it takes to properly manage a greenhouse. The opportunity allowed me to express my care and connect with nature, a connection we have discussed the importance of multiple times in class. Additionally, the experience helped me feel like I made a difference and contributed to something larger than myself, another key topic we discussed throughout the semester.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The greenhouse at Marywood's Natural and Health Sciences Building.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
An image to demonstrate how tiny the poppy seeds were. In the background, the filled trays are also visible. Notice how the soil is not filled to the top of the pods. 

# data[].attributes.body
For my second community engagement opportunity, I decided to have a 30-minute conversation with my roommate. My roommate and I have been friends since freshman year, and we both share a love for nature. When the weather permits, we often go on walks through the cemetery near the school. I wanted to talk to her about something I knew she would also be interested in. I figured the land restoration site at the IHM center would be a great discussion point. After our class visit to the restoration site, I came back to the dorm and asked if I could tell her about the visit. When I first told her about the site, she was surprised we had a place like that on campus. I feel like, unfortunately, many people are unaware of this site on campus. Before our class visit, I had never heard of it either. I started to explain why we went there, how we were learning more about green infrastructure, and the importance of setting aside land.

Terms like rain barrels, and rain gardens were new to her, and I briefly explained to her how important they are to prevent runoff. I also told her about the permeable pavement, but she let me know she had heard about that before. As we were talking, she asked if I saw any animals while walking. At the time I did not see many animals around, but that might just be because we were a large class walking through the area. I did tell her about the bat houses, wetlands, and large areas of vegetation that were set aside for the animals that either live there or pass through. We finished this topic with the fact that once the weather gets warmer again in the spring, we definitely will add the restoration site to our walking path!

I wanted to share a bit more with her about other kinds of green infrastructure we learned about in class. I loved learning about the green roofs, and I know we also have a few on campus, so this is the topic I focused on next. I asked her if she had seen the ones around campus. She said she had before and thought they were interesting. Along with the aesthetic benefits, I told her the ways they help with atmospheric temperature regulation and runoff control! I started talking to her about how beautiful I think they are and how I wish cities utilized them more. Since she knows I am transitioning into architecture, she asked if there were ways I could incorporate my love for them into my work. I am very hopeful that, as I enter the field, I will be able to apply my passion in my work and share my love for green infrastructure with others, just as I did with my roommate.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A view of the land restoration site at the IHM center sourced from the Sisters of IHM website. (https://www.sistersofihm.org/visit/land-reclamation/)

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A rain garden at the land restoration site at the IHM center sourced from the Sisters of IHM website. (https://www.sistersofihm.org/visit/land-reclamation/)

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The trays we used to plant both the poppy and milkweed seeds. We placed them in a bigger container when filled and labeled them accordingly with white tape and Sharpie.