Trans-Amazon Expedition

The Wilderness Classroom expedition team sincerely hopes that you have enjoyed learning about the Amazon Rainforest during the Trans-Amazon Expedition. Throughout the three stages of the expedition we have all been able to study plants and animals of the rainforest, seasonal changes, the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest, and the impact of deforestation. We hope that this experience has sparked a desire to take care of the environment. While saving the rainforest might be a daunting task, there are many things you can do around your home and neighborhood. Turning off the lights when you leave a room or shutting off the water when you brush your teeth might seem small, but in the long run, they add up. Once you start thinking along these lines, you will start to notice other things you can do. For example, if you recycle at home, maybe this can be expanded to starting a recycling program at your school.

We have learned a lot from the fishermen we have met along the river.

During the Trans-Amazon Expedition, I have learned ways to be a better global citizen. After seeing so many interesting plants and animals, I have a strong desire to protect their habitat. Visiting several nature preserves in Peru and Brazil gives me hope for the future. Most of these parks have people living in them; it was amazing to learn how these people coexist with nature. They produce food in a sustainable way. This means that they may have a garden for growing manioc and bananas, but they have not clear-cut acres and acres of rainforest. They might raise chickens or ducks in the forest for eggs and meat. Many of the people fish, but they know to take only the fish they need, leaving plenty of fish to reproduce and sustain the population. The success of these parks lies in the careful management of resources.

Each morning we wake up to a new day in a different place, anxious to explore and learn.

I have also witnessed what happens when resources are not carefully managed. During the last stage of the expedition, we paddled past many cattle ranches. These were large open fields, where all of the trees had been cut down to make grazing space for cows. These places have no shade, so it is difficult to even grow grass there. The lack of tree roots also increases erosion. I wonder how long the land will support these cattle, and what will happen after the cattle are gone?

Unsustainable logging is one of many causes for rainforest destruction.

Being an environmentally conscious citizen can be difficult at times, when the problems we face seem so large. Just remember to start with the small things and work your way up from there.

This expedition has been life-changing for all of us. There are several lessons I have learned about becoming a global citizen. When I return to the United States, I plan to live more simply. During the past six weeks, I have learned to live without many things that I took for granted in the United States. I have gained a new appreciation for things like access to clean water, electricity, toilets that flush, grocery stores, refrigeration,and paved roads. I plan to be much more aware of where my food comes from, keeping in mind how many miles that food has to travel (and how much CO2 is produced) before it ends up on my plate. I have learned to be more respectful of people that live differently than myself. We have encountered so much generosity in this part of the world, that I want to seek out opportunities to be generous toward others.

Orchids are an example of the thousands of plants and animals that make the Amazon Rainforest the most biodiverse place on earth.

By participating in the Trans-Amazon Expedition you are well on your way to becoming a global citizen. What was your favorite unit? Do you have a favorite animal or plant that you learned about? I hope you use these things as motivation to learn more and take action!

Tchau,

Amy