The Conservation and Ecology Club is one of the many student-run clubs at Foothill College that makes a positive impact on campus through their shared work towards helping our local environment, with a heavy focus on gardening, litter cleanups, and environmental education. Through an interview with Videl Cristel Covarrubias Martinez, who took the role of president rather recently after being a part of the club since last year, details of a relatively small club came to light.
Martinez noted the importance and fulfillment of sharing their passion with other interested students. “Being part of the Conservation and Ecology Club feels like an extension of my academic interests and personal hobbies. I want to share that joy with others.”
A hobby like gardening can be integrated into many students’ academic and personal lives. Martinez, who is an English major at Foothill College, spoke of the connection between their academics and their hobby for gardening, saying, “My English major is connected to Conservation and Ecology in some ways. A lot of writers center nature topics on their work. They use the natural world to explore identity, justice, survival, etc.”
As Martinez further explained, “Gardening has also helped me build community through conversations, sharing knowledge, swapping seeds, and cooking meals together.”
And this doesn’t just go for English majors. Biology and health-related majors can integrate gardening as a tool for healthier eating for their community, and social science majors are able to integrate themselves into a helpful cause for their community, building a shared community goal. It is through this that makes the Conservation and Ecology Club an important community for Foothill College, as anyone is able to contribute their passion and hard work into the club.
Despite this welcoming community, Martinez has said that one of the most prominent challenges that they face is a lack of members coming in this Winter quarter. “This quarter was difficult to find people to be active participants,” they said, “I wonder if it is because it’s cold. I am hoping that next quarter we get more participants who are willing to be active and organize events.”
This issue has been happening since its start. Members often leave after graduating from Foothill College, leading to active members or officers being cut short. After being asked when they took their position as president, Martinez shared how many of the club’s officers transferred in their careers and left, allowing for more positions to be opened up.
Although being an active member for the club is preferred, Martinez shared other methods to contribute to the Conservation and Ecology Club, “I think the biggest way to help our club is by joining us and sharing who we are,” and “Spread the word and commit to helping in our events. Even small things like joining us for an officer or volunteer position.”
Besides this, Martinez shared a few words to students who are looking to contribute to a project on Foothill, like the Conservation and Ecology Club. “Don’t overthink, just come pass by and see what happens,” adding, “The more perspectives we have together, the stronger community we will have.”
To connect with the Conservation and Ecology Club, check out their socials! Their Instagram page can be found with all information needed or feel free to email them via [email protected]