Red, yellow, and orange blended into a single swath of color as I drove north along the Blue Ridge Parkway on an autumn day in Appalachia. I slowed down as I passed by a row of trees noticeably smaller than the rest, reflecting back to what was visible before their growth. Six years ago, as a high school student, I used a graphical information system (GIS) to conduct a viewshed analysis of undesirable vantage points on this scenic byway. Alongside this data I created before and after imagery in Photoshop to identify locations that would benefit the greatest from the development of a wall of trees which would block an undesirable view. After presenting this research at a science fair, I continued forward in partnership with a local non-profit
…show more content…
This was achieved through conversations with professors to create student-advisor relationships in order to help facilitate the establishment of green initiatives throughout the house’s property. By working with multiple classes, students and professors we were able to receive donations of rare native plant species for the permaculture garden along with grants for the installation of a passive solar hot water heater, a rainwater capture system, a garden composting program, house-wide LED lighting fixtures, and an online portal within our institution’s Learning Management System (LMS) to organize all initiatives for past, present and future residents. The Treehouse served as a conduit for the application of relevant science and technology that was taught in the classroom to solve environmental problems present on …show more content…
Upgrades such as installing passive solar hot water heaters and micro-hydro power plants for electrical output could be funded through an already existent Alternative Energy program. Alongside renewable energy initiatives, ACAP’s Agriculture & Livestock Development Program could be utilized to create a food cooperative between the subsistence farmers residing in off trail communities and the guesthouse owners of Ghandruk. This local sourcing of food can empower the marginalized subsistence communities while presenting a local sustainable farm-to-table food program that appeals to
This was achieved through conversations with professors to create student-advisor relationships in order to help facilitate the establishment of green initiatives throughout the house’s property. By working with multiple classes, students and professors we were able to receive donations of rare native plant species for the permaculture garden along with grants for the installation of a passive solar hot water heater, a rainwater capture system, a garden composting program, house-wide LED lighting fixtures, and an online portal within our institution’s Learning Management System (LMS) to organize all initiatives for past, present and future residents. The Treehouse served as a conduit for the application of relevant science and technology that was taught in the classroom to solve environmental problems present on …show more content…
Upgrades such as installing passive solar hot water heaters and micro-hydro power plants for electrical output could be funded through an already existent Alternative Energy program. Alongside renewable energy initiatives, ACAP’s Agriculture & Livestock Development Program could be utilized to create a food cooperative between the subsistence farmers residing in off trail communities and the guesthouse owners of Ghandruk. This local sourcing of food can empower the marginalized subsistence communities while presenting a local sustainable farm-to-table food program that appeals to