Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 07:56
Forums
Tundra Plants in a Changing Climate

Keri R., I know that your summer experience is winding down. I am curious about your new learned skills and knowledge. I know you can now use an electric drill, a shotgun, drive an F-250, live on almost new sleep, learn the latin names for the tundra plants, put together a grid/NIM and tons more. What new learned knowledge and skill are the ones that you will most remember and share with others when you travel back to the southern 48? See you soon! Chris R.

Mon, 08/16/2010 - 01:11

Anonymous

Hi Mom... :-)
Yes, I've learned a lot of skills. I think one of the more "moving" things I've learned is that EVERYTHING is connected and interdependent: plants, people, ecosystems, and the entire world. The choices we make locally do indeed have global impacts. But, then to stand on the tundra alone with no one around you, while you can see only the vastness and emptiness of the landscape and feel the harsh winds against your face. It really put things into perspective. In the Lower 48, everything (well, most everything) is instant. Here, that is not the case. Everything is shipped in and out via plane or barge. Those planes and barges depend on weather. The mail may come or it may not. The internet may work or it may not. There may be fresh peppers in the store or there may not. If something breaks, it could take a long time to get the parts to fix it. That's just the way it is. It just serves as a reminder that although we greatly impact the planet, we do not control it but we must respect it.