However we did not only learn about abiotic factors in our class, we learned about the organisms we share this land with. In class we discussed on several occasions organisms that inhabited the river. My in river time lecture was also on river organisms (link<\/a>). During the semester I remember hearing about various\u00a0sightings\u00a0of a bald eagle on campus. On a class trip Ralph White spoke to us about the fish in the river and their migration as we watched Blue Herons as the males anticipated the return of the females. On the same trip was also when the class began to learn about tree identification though we only began with river trees.<\/p>\n Due to a summer of working identifying trees I already was aware of many of the trees on campus when I began Earth Lodge. \u00a0I was surprised at the diversity of the trees on campus. There were so many different interesting trees. There are cherry blossoms, oaks, maples, tulip poplars, even my favorite tree, the Dawn Redwood(The strange tree near the commons on Westhampton). The Dawn Redwood is a species over 100 Million years old and is considered a \u201cliving fossil.\u201d It is a distant relative of the sequoia and was thought to be extinct, but trees were found in china and cultivated all over the world. For more info go here (link<\/a>).\u00a0 It was sad in the fall watching the leaves go. It was hard to look at the trees and figure what they were just by bark. In class I got better at identifying the trees on bark alone. However, recently as shown in some fellow blogs (link<\/a>), the leaves have returned. \u00a0It\u2019s strange watching the leaves grow, becoming more defined as they get fuller and greener.\u00a0 It\u2019s comforting to see the leaves again and be able to again know the tree I\u2019m looking at.<\/p>\n Looking at my latest blogs I notice many of them have been about events off of campus. I\u2019m grateful to Earth Lodge for getting me involved off campus. It has made me much more aware of what is around us and how much the City of Richmond and the James River has to offer. Before this class I knew little of the James River, or its history. I knew nothing about places like the William Byrd House (John<\/a>) or about the homeless encampments on islands in the river. I had never been to belle isle and never knew about the pipeline walk. I didn\u2019t know the bloody history of the James River and how it has always, since the Powhatan Indians, a river of kings.\u00a0 Like Thomas (link<\/a>), Earth Lodge has helped me fall in love with Richmond.<\/p>\n Despite all I have learned, or possibly because of all I have learned, I know now there is so much I don\u2019t know about where I am. I don\u2019t know much about the air or soil, and I can\u2019t identify all of the trees and many of the animals. There are also many plants that I cannot even begin to identify. I have yet to see any larger mammals on campus. There is also more of the James and Richmond to explore. It\u2019s both strange and good to know I may never fully know my place, but that means I always have a chance to learn something new. Plus it makes it harder to get bored of a place.<\/p>\n Part of me finds it sad to know that chances are I might not have a class like Earth Lodge again. I may not have a class so immersive, so involved outside the classroom, and so engaging. Geography of the James taught me a love of the place called Richmond, but it also taught me to love the place I am in. When I go back home, I know I\u2019ll have a deeper appreciation of my home\u2019s geography and environment. Earth Lodge and its class was a great experience that I am glad to be a part of.<\/p>\n This is John Remmes, signing off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A year ago I could have boldly made a claim that I know the University of Richmond Campus like the back of my hand. Late night walks, explorations, and classes all over the place have given me a very good … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blog.richmond.edu\/james\/files\/2013\/04\/IMG_0146-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n