Reflection

Reflection

It started off with a simple walk to our local lake, it was after the rainy season and my father and I noticed a peculiar green algae sprouting near the shoreline. It was a minuscule development amongst the hustle and bustle of my neighborhood. Yet these slight observations quickly became the norm, but something didn't look right, the quality of our lake began changing and I felt the need to do something. I did some research and found the cause of these blooms. Urban runoff. Urban runoff is a process by which pesticides, pet feces, and other Nitrogen or Phosphorus rich substances hijack bodies of water changing their pH and making them unlivable for native species, and instead causing algae blooms to form that consume oxygen meant for fishes and plants. I found that my neighbors surrounding the lake were using Nitrogen fertilizer, instigating these occurrences. Together, we installed barriers around their gardens to prevent runoff and encouraged responsible fertilizer use to help protect the lake and its wildlife. After speaking with the local soil and water district to learn more about how this issue is having an effect regionally. They told me about how the decline of the Chesapeake Bay could potentially cause economic consequences in the surrounding areas, especially local fisheries that rely on the bay for their business. I quickly learned a minute observation was a life-changing event for those who relied on these bodies of water. As people who live in diverse areas and regions, we need to learn how our actions might affect someone miles and even states away. I wanted to not only ponder and reflect on this issue but also create meaningful change through tangible experimentation and innovation. I started a conversation by making a post on The NEXTDOOR app, telling my neighbors about the benefits of rainwater gardens, and how they absorb and collect pollutants, it received 1,800 views with many commenting they were unaware of this issue. I aspire to aid in the cause of finding a balance between commercial development and maintenance of our environment, to essentially combine urban with ecosystem.