This Spring Break, ten University of South Florida (USF) Judy Genshaft Honors College students traveled across central Florida, exploring systems related to sustainability and resource management. Led by Lauren Roberts, assistant director of the Office of National Scholars, and Honors faculty member Dr. Andrew Hargrove, the Honors students had the opportunity to visit various facilities, meet professionals from sustainability-related fields, and reflect on how individuals approach the complex challenges facing our environment using a range of academic disciplines. The students represented diverse majors and areas of study from across USF, including environmental sciences, political science, biological sciences, and engineering.
An Active Itinerary
The group resided in cabins near Ocala National Forest and prepared most of their meals, which primarily consisted of plant-based dishes. Each day, they set out to meet with community partners. Their first stop was Rosebud Continuum, a sustainability center in Land O'Lakes with close ties to the USF Patel College of Sustainability. At Rosebud, the students learned about the center’s emphasis on indigenous culture and practices in resource management. They discovered that no waste leaves the property. Any plastic waste is shredded to create other materials, and biological waste is utilized to produce biogas for cooking or fertilizer for on-site agriculture.
Throughout the week, the students visited various locations, including the St. John's River Water Management District office and lab, a ranch property managed by Conservation Florida, CHW Engineering Consultants in Gainesville, and Fleet Farming, an urban agriculture initiative in Orlando. The University of Florida Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department hosted the group for a day of laboratory tours, museum visits, and a workshop on applying for graduate school.
The final stop on the trip was Crystal River, where the students went kayaking with a guide from the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, who discussed ongoing restoration projects in the area. Some students were even excited to witness their first manatee sighting!
Knowledge Through Reflection
In addition to the academic and professional development activities, the group also
took time to appreciate the beauty and abundance of the Florida environment. Students
went on hikes, swam in springs, and enjoyed s'mores over a campfire. Nights were dedicated
to reflection and journaling. Dr. Hargrove led discussions on how to maintain hope
while confronting the challenges of conserving and managing our resources.
Reflecting on the experience, trip member Grace Angeli said, "I have learned so much
this week and have become incredibly inspired and grateful for the opportunities we
have. It's important to remain hopeful when facing environmental issues because that's
how we can make progress. And progress is being made. This week, I've witnessed numerous
professionals working to make a difference. So, let's all be hopeful, continue to
learn, and care so that we can create meaningful change."
Students interested in learning more can visit the Rosebud Continuum website or explore the Make a Difference section of our 2023 Climate Teach-in page for further information.