Idea/Scope:

Our idea for the project was to research a topic that directly pertained to the class and locals in Bellingham.  Since we are exposed to English Ivy on the daily here at Western, we figured that educating our fellow classmates on the dangers of it would be quite interesting. In terms of environmental issues, many people overlook invasive species as a major threat, but in fact, these species cause serious harm to the ecosystem. We figured that because Ivy is so common here, our class would be intrigued to hear the harmful properties of this plant, as well as what can be done to solve it.

 

Process:

We chose to make a videography  because it is a  more engaging literacy form.To make this mini documentary, our group walked around campus looking for places on buildings and in nature that reflected the spread of English Ivy at Western. We trekked from Carver to the Ridge to Fairhaven to Ross, and the amount of ivy that pervaded campus was impressive, if not worrisome. Hattie did most of the research for the specifics of English Ivy and Dashell focused on its effects on native species. Tupu researched how the ivy got to the northwest regions and Alyssa investigated its history on campus and edited the video together. Finally, Kali found solutions to ivy (none of which mentioned any blowtorches…). We took turns filming and speaking, and recorded voice-overs to explain what we were doing during the film.

 

Takeaway: After making this project, I think all members of our group would agree that our eyes are opened to the detrimental effects of English ivy on the environment around us. Although it may be aesthetically pleasing, we know now that ivy is incredibly harmful, and that its visual appeal isn’t worth the havoc it wreaks on ecosystems all over the world. This project has shown that beauty isn’t everything, and that sometimes the most beautiful things are the most destructive!