During my first blog post I had shared about how my group and I had just planted our mini garden. We were so excited to see what the little seeds would turn out to become, and now weeks later our garden is fully grown. We have multiple lettuce heads, radishes, and a tomato plant which is standing tall. Seeing the progress of the garden was a proud moment, because I did not realize how successful it would be. A lot of time, effort, care, and patience is required to grow a garden, and the results are definitely worth it.
Cougar Creek
We recently went on a walk around Cougar Creek Park, I am not from Surrey so I had no idea what this park was and why it was important. Deb Jones was our guide for this walk, she is a Rain Coordinator who volunteers as part of the Cougar Creek Streamkeepers. She took us throughout the whole park and showed us things which we would have never noticed on our own. There were multiple signs put up indicating there was salmon present in the streams at the park and to not throw toxins in the stream to ensure it is kept clean. We also noticed caged tree trunks to prevent beavers from chewing the wood. During the walk Deb also taught us about the native plants and trees we are lucky to have in British Columbia. We have wild blackberries, which are safe to eat. We learnt how to tell the difference between the types of trees by just looking at their leaves.
Going on this walk helped me get a better sense of what Green Criminology looks like in our own neighbourhoods. There is so much hidden environmental harm that happens all around us which we are unaware of. If I hadn’t taken this class, I wouldn’t have known that Green Criminology was such an important topic.
Gendered Green Criminology
In the article we read in week 9 by Burrell and Pedersen (2025), it focused on how we should respect our environment and treat it with care. It also compared the feminine and male aspect and how each of these genders do things differently in terms of catering to the environment. Males are less likely to develop solutions which are in favour of the environment, whereas females, have the nurturing side which allows them to care for the environment in a different way. We need to change our perspective and appreciate the environment we live in rather than treating it as something that holds no value.
I would say that I am very thankful for this course because throughout the readings and everything we talk about during class has made me think of things in a way which I never thought was possible. I am sure that I will take this knowledge and be more mindful of how I am in the environment we live in. I am also hoping that I continue gardening a few vegetables in my home garden, as it is a good hobby to have.
References Burrell, S. R., & Pedersen, C. (2024b). From men’s violence to an ethic of care: Ecofeminist contributions to green criminology [Review of From men’s violence to an ethic of care: Ecofeminist contributions to green criminology]. Journal of Criminology, 58(3), 372-388. https://doi.org/10.1177/26338076241293145
I really enjoyed reading your blog because it shows how your understanding of green criminology developed through hands-on experiences. I also found it rewarding to watch our gardens grow over the semester and your point about patience and care highlights how much work goes into producing even a small amount of food. Your reflection on the Cougar Creek walk also stood out to me. Like you, I did not realize how many environmental issues and conservation efforts exist in our own communities until Deb Jones explained the importance of protecting salmon habitats and native plants.
Your experience also connects with research by Delia and Krasny (2018), who found that community gardening and environmental education help participants develop environmental stewardship, leadership and a stronger sense of responsibility toward nature. Their findings support your reflection that gardening and learning about local ecosystems can change how people think about environmental harm and encourage more sustainable behaviours (Delia & Krasny, 2018). I think this complements the ecofeminist perspective discussed by Burrell and Pedersen (2024), as both emphasize that caring for the environment begins with developing meaningful relationships with the natural world. Your post demonstrates how learning outside the classroom can inspire lasting environmental awareness and responsible action.
Reference –
Delia, J., & Krasny, M. E. (2018). Cultivating positive youth development, critical consciousness, and authentic care in urban environmental education. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, Article 2340. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02340
Great blog post Chanpreet! I wanted to mention that I live near by Cougar Creek and had no idea it even existed. I didn’t realize how close I am to certain species and the important role each of them plays. If someone told me there is salmon and beavers near by, I would have never believed them! Reflecting off the article you mentioned by Burrell and Pedersen (2025), it shows how we often forget to appreciate and acknowledge the environment near us. When we went on this walk, I noticed many different signs that were placed in order to protect salmon and help them nourish. Burrell and Pedersen (2025) touch on the idea that both humans and wildlife must work together in order to create a healthy and growing environment. We often see salmon as a meal and trees as a source to make paper but fail to acknowledge they are also living things that need the same type of respect and care that us, humans, desire. Overall, this trip was a great way to help connect with nature and understand how the theories we learn in class, apply in the real world.
References: Burrell, S. R., & Pedersen, C. (2024b). From men’s violence to an ethic of care: Ecofeminist contributions to green criminology [Review of From men’s violence to an ethic of care: Ecofeminist contributions to green criminology]. Journal of Criminology, 58(3), 372-388. https://doi.org/10.1177/263380762412931
Great blog post Chanpreet! I wanted to mention that I live near by Cougar Creek and had no idea it even existed. I didn’t realize how close I am to certain species and the important role each of them plays. If someone told me there is salmon and beavers near by, I would have never believed them! Reflecting off the article you mentioned by Burrell and Pedersen (2025), it shows how we often forget to appreciate and acknowledge the environment near us. When we went on this walk, I noticed many different signs that were placed in order to protect salmon and help them nourish. Burrell and Pedersen (2025) touch on the idea that both humans and wildlife must work together in order to create a healthy and growing environment. We often see salmon as a meal and trees as a source to make paper but fail to acknowledge they are also living things that need the same type of respect and care that us, humans, desire. Overall, this trip was a great way to help connect with nature and understand how the theories we learn in class, apply in the real world.
References: Burrell, S. R., & Pedersen, C. (2024b). From men’s violence to an ethic of care: Ecofeminist contributions to green criminology [Review of From men’s violence to an ethic of care: Ecofeminist contributions to green criminology]. Journal of Criminology, 58(3), 372-388. https://doi.org/10.1177/263380762412931