Making the environment a healthier place for us all, the Field Biology Group at Sacramento State cares deeply about plants, animals and all things involving nature.

Angela De Palma-Dow, senior biological science major, said all group’s important issues and upcoming events are discussed during meetings.

“We talk about upcoming events and have professionals in the field of biology come talk,” she said.

Group member Emerson Kanawi, junior biological science major, said he wished meetings were more often.

“Since we meet only once a month we give all our input there for upcoming events and projects,” he said. “We also try and come up with ideas to better promote our club because we’re not that well known around campus.”

De Palma-Dow said the group’s events range from whale watching at Half Moon Bay to community service in Putah Creek.

“In Putah Creek last semester, a few club members and I worked at the creek for a day restoring the riparian zone along the banks of the stream,” De Palma-Dow said. “Not only was it satisfying work, but when we go to visit the stream this spring, we will be able to see a lush, green bank full of grasses and critters.”

She said the group’s most recent whale watching experience tested their dedication when a surfing competition interrupted their good time.

“Big waves for surfers is good. Big waves for ambitious biologists on a 50-foot boat, not so good,” she said. “The waves were so ferocious we ended up having to turn around because the captain was concerned for our safety.”

Another thing the group is useful for, De Palma-Dow said, is getting Sac State students involved.

“Not only are you giving back to the community, but you are learning so much at the same time,” she said. “It’s great for bio majors because it helps them know if this is exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives.”

Clearly, Kanawi said, the group is environmentally friendly, but he said he wishes they could be campus friendly as well.

“I wish we could change all the nastiness on campus,” he said.

Kanawi said he’d like to work on policy change and ban plastic foam cups on campus.”I’d like to see a garden and more attention to the natural elements on campus,” he said.The group’s next event will be restoring plant life on campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The next group meeting is Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. in Humboldt Hall, Room 124.Students thinking about joining should visit the official CSUS Field Biology Group department web page, under student support programs at: www.csus.edu/bios/organizations.html

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