During our three days on the San Juan River, it was almost impossible not to notice the abundant tamarisk growing alongside the river. Our guide Bret informed us of the negative impact this invasive species is having on the riparian or river corridor ecosystem. Tamarisk, or salt cedar, is a deciduous shrub or tree that [...]
Archive for May, 2009
A first-hand view of a complex, controverisal, conservation issue- the invasive tamarisk by Jess Cossentino and Mary Ann McGarry
Posted in Biology, Conservation on May 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
A Cultural and History Lesson In A Most Unusual Place by Jess Cossentino and Mary Ann McGarry
Posted in Culture, Travel study on May 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The sun was setting on Kayenta, AZ when I decided to join our professor, Mary Ann McGarry, to view a unique cultural and historical exhibit, displayed in the most unusual of places- the Burger King across the street from our hotel. Amidst the typical fast-food restaurant décor, in the middle of the dining room was [...]
The Hogan: The Traditional Navajo Home by Chelsi Coulombe and Mary Ann McGarry
Posted in Culture on May 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
My introduction to Navajo culture was on the first day of our PSU trip to the Colorado Plateau. At the Four Corners Outdoor School of Education in Monticello, Utah, the founder Janet Ross, gave us a tour of the facility. As we approached a beautiful, symmetrical structure with the door facing east, Janet informed us [...]
“Uravan: A Fading Memory” by PSU student Jess Byrne and Mary Ann McGarry
Posted in Culture, Geology on May 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
As I walked into the elementary school in Paradox Valley, CO I was led to the office where I met Jon the principal and another faculty member who informed our PSU group about their backgrounds and where they each had grown up. The female teacher’s story intrigued me, she related that the town where [...]
The Golden Eagle by PSU student, Chelsi Coulombe (edited by MaryAnn McGarry)
Posted in Biology, Culture on May 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
A Plymouth State University group of students experienced the amazing beauty of the Southwest while floating down the San Juan River during a travel course that took place during our March spring break of ‘09. Gray cottonwoods lined the river banks and contrasted with the red canyon and blue sky backdrop. These vistas and [...]
