SGA, EcoScholars present a wild night on campus | Texas A&M University-San Antonio | TAMUSA
Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Student Government Association and EcoScholars co-hosted the first Wildlife Movie Night on Nov. 11 in the auditorium.
The viewing consisted of H-E-B’s “Our Texas, Our Future” original five-part docuseries, which explores state parks, bats, ocelots and more.
Each short film has its own introductions, histories and ideas that convey growing environmental and wildlife concerns in Texas.
“A lot of students could benefit from understanding the importance of wildlife,” said Jesus Lopez, EcoScholars acting president. “A lot of us see it on social media, maybe like, ’Oh no, this forest is being cut down’ or ‘Oh no, this animal is going extinct,’ but sometimes they don’t really know why it matters and also what’s being done about it.”
Prior to the showing of the docuseries, attendees heard from representatives from the hosting student-organizations and local chapter, the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club.
Starting with a presentation on local and global concerns, including topics like decreasing biodiversity and habitat loss. Lopez emphasized why he believes students should get more active with regional conservation efforts.
Caroleena Mancilla, junior biology major and SGA president, introduced how A&M-San Antonio has been making conscious efforts to introduce environmentally friendly practices including converting lighting to energy-saving LED bulbs, using cisterns to collect rainwater in the Madla Building. As well as partnering with CPS to voluntarily reduce energy use during peak summer demand.
Mancilla said she believes it’s important for students to attend these events to learn more about sustainable practices and get involved with the environment through the community and on-campus organizations.
Whether getting involved on-campus or in the community, organizations like the Sierra Club are always looking for more involvement from younger generations.
“We really want to get young people involved in the efforts,” said Alan Montemayor, chairman for the local chapter of the Sierra Club. “We’re following the credo of the Sierra Club, which is ‘Think globally. Act locally.’ We are trying to get young people excited about the environment because we are the only ones who can make a difference right now.”
To “act locally,” with the Sierra Group, individuals can participate in monthly meetings, sign up for the monthly newsletter or adventure in nature with their scheduled group outings.
Attendees may not have been ready to dive head first into action, but were all about the free treats provided.
Keep San Antonio Beautiful provided snacks and refreshments such as popcorn, fruit snacks, cookies, juices and sodas were provided for attendees enjoyment.
While some participants came for a light snack, others came to spend quality time with friends.
“To hang out with each other, honestly. We wanted to see it,” said Gabby Zamora, freshman biology major, who attended with a group of friends.
Beyond the chance to spend time with friends, the event also appealed to students who wanted to explore their inner zoologist as they discover how animals live their lives.
“I just like animals”, Fatima Rahman, freshman business major said. “I like how they live ecosystem-wise, wildlife-wise and nature-wise.”
Whether it was grub or the promise of a good time with friends that may have drawn in the student population, the event message was intended for all to hear.
Open to A&M-San Antonio and the public, the organizers used this as an opportunity to reach as many people as possible to promote conscious efforts to help better Texas’ natural landscapes and ecosystems.
For more information on how to get involved on-campus contact the EcoScholars via Instagram @tamusaecoscholars.
Information to get involved with the Sierra Group, is available on their website.
Wildlife Movie Night may have already passed, but the H-E-B “Our Texas, Our Future” series is available on their website.
