Excursion Report
Semester 3 Science & Global Change Colloquium Excursion: Service Event On Campus!
Abigail Doran
October 17th, 2025
UMD Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
My excursion this semester was a chosen service project run by students and faculty members of the UMD Arboretum and Botanical gardens. The project was an hour-long event where we gathered to re-mulch and pull weeds from some flower beds outside of Symons hall along Regents Drive. This is a space seen by many as they walk or drive by for classes, and it was very important to beautify it in this way. We changed the mulch to increase the health of the existing mulch and soil, and promote water and nutrients reaching the roots of the trees growing there. We pulled weeds and other invasive plants such as thorny vines from underneath the bushes that were also growing there. I feel that this kind of work is frequently under the radar from the general public. People do not usually realize the importance of simply pulling weeds, and how much of a difference that can make to the appearance and the overall feel of the specific green space. The removal of weeds also helps mediate the competition between other plants in the area, organisms such as bugs or mosses, and the competition for sunlight and water. Although the area is an ideal place to grow as a plant, we prioritized the bushes and trees planted there, and that was what our work was there for. I feel that our work at the given site was beneficial for not only the landscape and visual improvement, but also for us as the workers. I know that I felt a lot better about my day having contributed something to my community, and I feel that I made a real impact. Even if it is something little, I strongly encourage the addition of little service projects around campus or even in your home community.
Having said this, I absolutely would do this service project again. I believe that behind-the-scenes work like this truly makes an impact on how a space looks and feels, and improves my mood. The weather was very nice on the day that we worked, and I just felt very present during that time. I always like to spend at least some time outside during each day, and that was a great productive way to spend my time outside. I also enjoyed that a community service event was available to me and had to do with the environment. The service events that I have always participated in, and usually participate in during my time at UMD, have to do with community and social service. I am a part of the UMD Best Buddies club, and cherish my friendships with the amazing people I have met through that. I enjoyed the change of pace from my usual activities, and being able to contribute to something that I am equally as passionate about. I would absolutely participate in this event again, and I strongly encourage others reading this report to try it out as well!
Here are some photos showing the work we did on October 17th! The mulch was a large group effort, with lots of people raking and spreading it out while others added more with the buckets!
Here are some photos showing the work we did on October 17th! The mulch was a large group effort, with lots of people raking and spreading it out while others added more with the buckets!