As an Environmental Studies and Sustainability (ESS) major at Michigan State University, I have learned how ecological practices and conservation efforts can vary across Michigan, let alone across the country. Visiting Ireland and learning about their own conservation efforts helped to deepen my understanding global environmental challenges. Additionally, it showed me issues that are unique to Ireland and the steps being taken to address them. For example, Ireland holds a significant portion of the world’s blanket bogs and is one of the only countries where peatlands continue to exist in their natural state. As part of our program, we took a field trip to the Ballydangan Bog in County Roscommon to see a successful example of what community-led efforts to restore a bog look like. The site is also a critical habitat for the Red Grouse and Curlew, species that depend on these types of habitats to survive. It was wonderful to meet the people behind the restoration efforts and to see the passion they have for the land and the animals there. It influenced my own perceptions of community-based conservation and what can be achieved when enough people come together for a common goal.

Experiencing the wide range of ecosystems and seeing how people connect with the nature in Ireland reminded me of the areas worth protecting at home. I went into my major because I love my state and I want to protect and improve our natural environment. I am excited to take what I’ve learned across the pond and apply it here! Thank you again for your aid which allowed me to go on this amazing journey.

A farming method known as Winterage is used here at the Burren National Park, where animals such as cattle are moved to the uplands in the winter, and back down to graze the grass in the summer. Between the months of September and April, the cattle will graze the rough limestone grasslands, and because the hills retain heat, there is growth there throughout the year. The grasslands are maintained through farming - if the area were not grazed it would turn into a deciduous forest. Hazel scrub, ash trees, hawthorn, and other plants would take over the grass cover. While cattle farming has been happening at the Burren for nearly 6,000 years, the successful management of the land is in part due to agri-environmental schemes such as the Burren Life program, where farmers are incentivized to farm in a natural area and help manage it.

I would like to express my gratitude for awarding me the MSUFCU Endowment Study Abroad Scholarship. Without your support, I would not have been able to have this amazing experience while also furthering my education.

Name: Lilith Robinson Dennis
Status: Senior
Major: Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Hometown: Jackson, Michigan
Program: CEA CAPA Galway, Ireland - Ecology: Living Landscapes in the West of Ireland