Green Corner
Exeter Wildlife and Conservation Club (EWCC) was founded in order to raise awareness of environmental issues. We believe we have a responsibility to preserve all the resources this planet has to offer. We believe we have a duty to protect its wildlife. We believe we must take action. Action comes in many forms.
On the smaller scale, EWCC hosts documentary film nights in the Forum and visits Academy-owned land off-campus to learn about ecosystems in this area. We collaborate with local elementary schools to organize nature walks and educate children about the importance of protecting the environment. EWCC is also involved in larger scale education measures and projects. Last term, one of our club heads connected with Laly Lichtenfeld, co-founder of the African People and Wildlife Fund, to invite her to speak at assembly. Several club members had the opportunity to later discuss with her “Living Walls” project. Based in Tanzania, it aims to protect livestock from attacks by lions and therefore prevent the Maasai people from killing the lions in retaliation. EWCC may not be able to travel to Tanzania to directly aid this project, but we indirectly help by educating people about it.
Last fall, we collaborated with UNH scientists to address the problem of erosion on Plum Island, Mass. Each year, waves and storms erode large amounts of sand from the dunes on this island. This process not only affects residents who have to deal with the increasing structural insecurity of their homes, but it also drastically changes the ecosystem of the beaches by decimating the habitat for native plant and animal life. Our club, along with several other volunteers, worked to reverse these effects. We planted seagrass and put up fencing along the base of the dunes to establish a buffer between the water and the homes. While our efforts did help, the problem was not automatically solved. Because the seagrass has to be replanted after big storms, this project, like many conservation efforts, requires continued dedication to preserve the dunes. EWCC plans to continue involvement and provide the necessary volunteers, as well as enlist volunteers from outside communities.
One of EWCC’s more continuous projects occurs in the woods surrounding campus. Many faculty and students are surprised to learn that these woods are home to one of the most invasive plant species: Japanese knotweed. Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the United States from Eastern Asia, has bamboo-like stems and can grow from three to fifteen feet tall. Once introduced to an area, it can establish deep roots that decimate soil nutrients and threaten native plant species. Japanese knotweed is difficult to eradicate because it can tolerate deep shade, high temperatures, high soil salinity and drought, making it highly resistant, but not impossible to remove. Our club continually removes this invasive species from the trails on campus in order to reestablish growth of native species and maintain natural ecosystem interaction.
Right now, EWCC is transitioning from ESSO to the new category of sustainability clubs. As this transition occurs, we plan to take advantage of the opportunity to grow as a club. We will continue community involvement, but this new identity will allow us to expand in new directions. For those interested in any of the above projects, or those who have ideas or questions, join us. EWCC meets every other Sunday at 5 p.m. in the Seabrook Room of Elm to share and discuss articles, plan projects and implement change both large and small.