Rukmini’s WAWA Service Reflection

At this service event, I learned a lot about adapting. Both the nature of community work and of outdoor organizing is that unexpected situations are to be expected. When we went into this event, we did not expect to adapt our educational games to college students, or to do work outside like pulling English Ivy. At the same time, as these charges came up, we were able to meet each one. I wish I could have learned more about the baseball field and the oral history of Bush Mountain that Sarina was conducting, but I appreciated what we did learn about how to spot English ivy and Elaeagnus, both of which are invasive species. It was nice to work outside with new people, as we discovered things together and were able to make jokes and form bonds. We shared food, tools, and conversation. The experience of eating breakfast together gave us a chance to talk to other volunteers. Even though we spent more limited time outdoors than planned, it was meaningful that we were able to take some invasive species out of the ground. When we were collecting pine cones, Dr. Chapman poured some water on the pine trees in thanks for what we took. Pulling invasives felt like offering some thanks back towards the land for all it has given to us. Several of us (myself included) took English ivy home to propagate in water and clarify the air. I would have done one thing differently, which was to create a backup plan for our leaf rubbings idea. It never occurred to me that the idea wouldn’t work if the leaves were wet, which they could have been regardless of rain. I feel even having some paper towels to dry the leaves off or thinking about other rubbings that could be made would have given us some more room to maneuver. I think I did a good job of being friendly and creating connections with new people. The energy was such that it felt easy to do so, expected even, and I’m glad that folks made an effort to engage with their peers. Everyone was moving with kindness and enthusiasm when it came to working outdoors, and I thought folks’ excitement and willingness to learn was very meaningful. Sarina especially gave us a lot of energy and put thought behind her short tour, and we were all appreciative of that effort.

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