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We’re all about planting trees here! This is (mostly) our current eco-ambassador cohort during the big UMBC planting event back in the fall of 2023. Our commitment to sustainability is in our everyday work. We promote sustainable practices around campus through peer education! Our current project this year is on the promotion of the compost residuals law to increase waste diversion and reduce contamination. Of course, we also enjoy doing service projects like these for the community!

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While I did not have any direct photos of me doing tree work, this was taken when I was out in the cold woods of the UMBC Knoll doing tree inventory for Dr. Baker of the GES department, with my little mesh arborist vest! I believe that monitoring the longevity of large, growing trees can be just as gratifying as the first sampling planted.

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Two months after the tree planting event

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I joined hundreds of volunteers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County to plant trees on our beautiful campus. On Thursday, October 19th, 2023, at 12:15 PM, history was made. I planted an Oak tree as the first Global Peaceworker Fellow and the first South Sudanese student at UMBC; this tree is dedicated to the South Sudanese Refugees and internally displaced students at Promised Land Secondary School in Juba and all the people of South Sudan. It will symbolize blessings and a great partnership between the people of the United States and South Suan. This tree will be called “Athiei,” which means blessing in the Jieng (Dinka) language. Thanks to the UMBC administration for the opportunity.

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I want to get involved with as many opportunities as possible, but I will continue to recycle weekly and use reusable water bottles!

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I have a joke about invasive species, but....This isn't the place for it! LOL

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It was truly awesome to not only learn about invasive species in MD as well as UMBC, but the best part of it, was seeing how many people on campus are ready to make a difference.

I also got to meet really cool people, like Molly and Erin!

I can't wait to learn more and to keep being part of resources and solutions at UMBC.

Thank you to everyone involved.

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Me and my friend, Ryan, helping dig out invasive species on campus! 

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I had a great time learning more about what invasive species we have in campus and in the Baltimore area! I am a Junior GES major and I am looking at getting a masters degree in Sustainability and Conservation! I have been working for several years to make my life more sustainable! I avoid single use plastics as much as I can, I don’t order things online or over shop nearly as much. I am more mindful about almost everything I buy to try to only get things that were made and processed sustainably! I’m very conscientious about ingredient in my products and food to make sure they are sustainable. I find all of this incredibly interesting and love learning more!

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As a UMBC alumna and a current staff member, I am proud to support UMBC's commitment to a sustainable future. I hope to see these trees grow for years to come and to participate in similar events in the future. These trees represent our collective commitment to making UMBC a better place to live, work, and study!

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Few months after the tree planting event

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Just a couple of months after planting, we returned to the site to see the progress of our babies. It was great to see the early stages of growth, as the saplings are now slightly taller. Our visit highlighted the importance of patience and care in nurturing young trees, and their impact on our ecosystem. Each tree stands as a sign of environmental sustainability and a greener future for us all on campus. I’m excited to watch them grow, contribute to our efforts in making a healthier planet, and I'm looking forward to more opportunities like these.

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The tree-planting event held near UMBC was a remarkable testament to our collective commitment to sustainability and community well-being. The chosen location was very convenient as it was right around campus. As I joined my fellow volunteers in preparing the soil and planting each sapling, a palpable sense of excitement filled the air.

Being able to contribute to this event, right in the heart of our university's campus, stirred a profound sense of fulfillment within me. It was more than just planting trees; it was a tangible expression of our shared commitment to nurturing our surroundings and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.

Reflecting on the day's events, I am inspired by the collective impact we can achieve when we come together with purpose and passion. This experience reaffirms my belief in the power of small actions to effect meaningful change and deepens my resolve to continue advocating for environmental stewardship in all aspects of my life.

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I was out on maternity leave during the tree planting event but I did sneak in for part of it! When thinking about the new trees we planted, it made me reflect on the opposite end of the spectrum--a 550 year old Stika spruce that I visited in Oregon while traveling with my family. It was a pretty magical experience, I thought about all the ways the world had changed during that tree's existence, how amazing it was that the tree is still alive and growing, and how much it has endured. I thought of trees that are being planted now, and what they will see in the future, what kind of future will we be part of creating? My commitment is to think about that future, and the future I want to give to those young trees, my new baby, and all living beings, and use that to guide my daily decisions. Nobody is going to be perfect in how they implement sustainability, especially with the constraints of the modern world but thinking through how I can be part of lowering my own impact, advocating for policies that benefit both people and the planet, and helping raise the next generation to consider those when making decisions.

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The location chosen for tree planting is conveniently situated near my shuttle stop, a testament to my commitment to living in an area where public transportation is accessible. This choice is a deliberate one, reflecting my dedication to reducing my carbon footprint and contributing positively to environmental sustainability. Utilizing public transit not only serves this purpose but also affords me the opportunity to truly appreciate the scenic beauty of the city I call home, along with its vibrant community.

This lifestyle choice is deeply rooted in my belief that embracing sustainability paves the way for a healthier planet — a legacy I am proud to pass on to my children. Their decision to follow in my footsteps reinforces my conviction that small, consistent actions can indeed make a significant difference.

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We stayed out late to finish planting this tree in our yard in Baltimore. Such a tiny twig! We weren't sure it would make it but now it is flourishing. It made us think about how a small effort today would one day grow into a mighty oak. A lot of our sustainability efforts are the same way. We are committed to making small changes in our daily routine that can have a big impact when we all band together!

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Taking a quick rest after planting trees in Baltimore! I've connected with a few tree planting groups that are working to expand our urban tree canopy...Blue Water Baltimore, Tree Baltimore, Baltimore Tree Trust, Volunteering Untapped, and there are others out there. I'm committing to volunteer at least once per month to help my community flourish