I would like to propose a personal research study on what is the history of the Licking River and how does my experiences and research of the history of the Licking Rivery bring me to a philosophical religious standpoint. I will be gathering research from sources, nature trips, and journalism of my experiences. My final product of my research study will be an online blog.
I chose this idea because I have been drawn to the memories of the Licking River trails that are across from Holmes High School. I used to run there for cross country and track. In addition, I wanted to know beyond my experience with the Licking River trails and know what the history of the Licking River trails is. Furthermore, I wanted to discuss philosophical religious connections from my research and experiences.
There are many aspects that will be essential in completing this research project in an efficient manner. One aspect would be resources. The resources I have found so far are: Licking river trails, the bible, and my personal experiences with the Licking River Trails. These are useful because they are the foundation and centerpieces of my research. Without these resources, I would not be able to execute my research project. In addition, another aspect would be any additional people I would need. Surprisingly, in this specific situation I will not significantly need others to help complete this project. I drive there by myself in my car, experience nature, research about the history of the Licking River trails, and document in a journal about my connections philosophically and religiously. Although, it would be nice to have someone there to share the experience with me, so that I may have more viewpoints, it would be safer and more enjoyable.
The purpose for this research proposal is for me to be able to extend my unthorough knowledge of the history of the Licking River trails and be able to gain more of a deep connection with nature. I will be able to implement what I have learned in Honors Encounters with Nature and build upon my learning. This is important so that I may apply it to real life situations and turn it into a meaningful memory. This experience will extend my understandings of what I learned in Honors Encounters with Nature in a more personal manner. Last but not least, I want to have a new profound knowledge of the Licking River trails and to have life changing experiences.
In the article, “Blue Water Trails: Licking River” (2010), it talks about the history of the licking river trails and information about the streams so that paddlers have knowledge of the river they are canoeing/kayaking on. I chose this source because it gives substantial amounts of adequate history information on the licking river trails. It is also reliable because it is an academic article.
In the article “Site map” (2010), it talks about the history of the licking river trails and how Native Americans used to travel the streams of the licking river. Also, many interstates and highways run around it and bridges are built over it. Last but not least, the licking river, which is right next to the trails is one of Kentucky’s best native muskellunge streams. I chose this source because it gives substantial amounts of adequate history information on the licking river trails. It is also reliable because it is an academic article.
In the article, A Political Theology of Nature, the author argues that a lot of the ecological problems we face today is because of the separation of humanity from nature. Human social life is essential to enable sustainability. “Disharmony between humanity and nature, environmental strategies are founded in and directed towards the distorted sociality of humanity” (Scott, 4). “I consider that attention must be paid to the way in which the concept of nature is present in the theological theory in the context of the distorted sociality of humanity” (Scott, 7). “The concept of nature which permits technological development emerges in theology” (Scott, 14). “The origins of the contingencies which are overwhelming us today lie in social contexts and no longer directly in nature” (Scott, 5-6). I chose this source because it gives a different take on Christian ties to nature. It is also reliable because it is an academic journal.
In the academic article: “Christianity, Covenant, and Nature”, the author discusses about what we are called to do by God with nature and our role as caretaker of nature. I chose this source honestly because of how it is Baptist oriented and the title suits what I am needing for my research. It is also reliable because it is an academic journal.
In the article “Nature and Grace: Selections from the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas”, it is not about history or the nature aspect of my research project but rather the theological aspect. It answers many questions about God in the basic aspects of who God is. God is our creator, he is almighty father, he heads three in one (God, Jesus, Holy spirit), he is perfect, all powerful and holy. God is filled with grace, wisdom, intelligence, love, faith, joy, honesty, etc. The book is in the format of an academic article and depicts this and more of what the bible tells. I would say a way stronger source than this would the Bible itself because it is true and is inspired by our holy father, God.
Last but not least, I found all of these sources from an interlibrary database called Source Finder from NKU website.
My proposal can be implemented with National park services by expanding my proposal to continuing from personal blogs and experience with soundscapes in many art forms, to become a new club called the NPS writers. We could meet once a month and fundraise for the NPS summer writer trip. When we meet, the activities will be games, hangouts and outlines at local parks to write about. The National park we would travel to would be “Lewis and Clark” (forestry). All information that I mention in this paragraph has been accessed by the National park’s website listed in the bibliography below. This park is in the location of Washington, D.C. It would most likely occur in the timeframe of June 24th-June 26th. The cost per person to enter the park is $7 per person for a week.
The national park does not provide food or shelter. As a result, we would be living in a nearby living reserve, such as: Long Beach Peninsula Visitor’s Bureau or Fort Stevens State park. Some recreational activities we could encounter is: view wildlife, walk trails, Kayak and canoe tour, hike, paddle, and the fort ranger program. Not only will this be available to enjoy but we will also journal, do photography and draw in the woods. Journaling will be the main priority but pictures and paintings help enhance the writings that I aspire to print into a magazine to hand out for free or sell. We could also have our own t-shirts, hang up flyers and create a web page on Facebook. In order to do photography or filming in the “Lewis and Clark” national park, we would have to get a permit. Last but not least, the challenges we may face are the unpredictability of the weather, the winter storms or trail damage and transportation. Although, for transportation, I would pay for a bus or do car rides.
The benefits of this project for others is that I can share my experiences in my research and walks in nature with them. They will be able to connect if they love history, Licking River trails, nature, or if they are Christian. Also, when they read my online blog, they can be entertained and informed about my research of the Licking River trails, my experiences and reactions to my walks on the Licking River trails. The advantage of the Licking River Trails is that it is supportive of the Agrarian beliefs. I learned about Agrarian beliefs in the Honors Encounters with nature class. Thoreau is an agrarian literature writer we studied in class. He states in his writings that we must keep one foot in civilization and the other in the wildness of nature. The Licking River trails is an escape from the urban society. Although, it is not so wild that it would seem you’re in the middle of nowhere. Just beyond the hills of the Licking River Trails you can see Holmes High School and houses. There is this blend of nature sounds like birds chirping and Civilization sounds like car horns honking. The Licking River trails has the peacefulness of nature yet the security of civilization.
In conclusion, my proposal of my personal research study is the history of the Licking River and how my experiences and research of the history of the Licking River bring me to a philosophical religious standpoint. I will be able to implement what I have learned in Honors Encounters with Nature and build upon my learning. In addition, I will be able to share on my new blog about my experiences with the Licking River trails and a new profound knowledge of the Licking River trails that I have acquired. I will have life changing experiences with my relationship with God and be able to experience the emotionally moving aspects of nature.
Bibliography:
- “Christianity, Covenant, and Nature.” Baptistic Theologies, no. 1 (2016): 62. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsnar&AN=edsnar.oai.research.vu.nl.publications.60fc4123.3da8.46dc.b5dc.c8c9ba857407&site=eds-live&authtype=sso&custid=s8992667.
- In the academic article: “Christianity, Covenant, and Nature”, the author discusses about what we are called to do by God with nature and our role as caretaker of nature. I chose this source honestly because of how it is Baptist oriented and the title suits what I am needing for my research. It is also reliable because it is an academic journal.
- CNHI. “Blue Water Trails: Licking River.” Morehead News (KY), September 14, 2010. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsnbk&AN=1326D97B1E650D38&site=eds-live&authtype=sso&custid=s8992667.
- In the article, “Blue Water Trails: Licking River” (2010), it talks about the history of the licking river trails and information about the streams so that paddlers have knowledge of the river they are canoeing/kayaking on. I chose this source because it gives substantial amounts of adequate history information on the licking river trails. It is also reliable because it is an academic article.
- Scott, Peter. A Political Theology of Nature. Cambridge Studies in Christian Doctrine. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=120305&site=eds-live&authtype=sso&custid=s8992667.
- In the article, A Political Theology of Nature, the author argues that a lot of the ecological problems we face today is because of the separation of humanity from nature. Human social life is essential to enable sustainability. I chose this source because it gives a different take on Christian ties to nature. It is also reliable because it is an academic journal.
- ‘Site Map.’ Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Rabbit Biology. Accessed October 01, 2018. https://fw.ky.gov/Pages/sitemap.aspx.
- In the article “Site map” (2010), I found from an interlibrary database called Source Finder ebscohost, it talks about the history of the licking river trails and how Native Americans used to travel the streams of the licking river. Also, many interstates and highways run around it and bridges are built over it. Last but not least, the licking river, which is right next to the trails is one of Kentucky’s best native muskellunge streams. I chose this source because it gives substantial amounts of adequate history information on the licking river trails. It is also reliable because it is an academic article.
- Thomas, and A. M. Fairweather. Nature and Grace : Selections From the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas. Library of Christian Classics: Ichthus Edition. Philadelphia: Westminster John Knox Press, 1978. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=41282&site=eds-live&authtype=sso&custid=s8992667.
- In the article “Nature and Grace: Selections from the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas”, it is not about history or the nature aspect of my research project but rather the theological aspect. It answers many questions about God in the basic aspects of who God is. God is our creator, he is almighty father, he heads three in one (God, Jesus, Holy spirit), he is perfect, all powerful and holy. God is filled with grace, wisdom, intelligence, love, faith, joy, honesty, etc. The book is in the format of an academic article and depicts this and more of what the bible tells. I would say a way stronger source than this would the Bible itself because it is true and is inspired by our holy father, God.
- “Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/lewi/index.htm.
- In this source I found information about date, times, prices, wildlife features, and various recreational activities within the national state park in Washington D.C. named “Lewis and Clark National Historic Park”.
