This interactive 3D scene demonstrates my experience with Three.JS. Rotate, zoom, and interact with the objects.
The scene is based off a typical farm. There are pigs, a cow, and a horse. The inclusion of trees, fences, and hay bales brings the scene to life. Get exploring!
3D models used: Pig Cow Horse Base Scene
“The puzzling aspect of such situations is that the existence of obligations over and above self-interest is taken for granted in such rural community enterprises as the betterment of roads, schools, churches, and baseball teams. Their existence is not taken for granted, nor yet seriously discussed, in bettering the behavior of the water that falls on the land, or in the preserving of the beauty or diversity of the farm landscape. Land use ethics are still governed wholly by economic self-interest, just as social ethics were a century ago.”-Aldo Leopold’s “The Land Ethic”
Shades Beach Park in Harborcreek, Pennslyvania, is an example of how community spaces can evoke environmental concern and social responsibility. This park has been a space for the Harborcreek community to go, relax, play, swim, or hike. I have been consistently returning to this park ever since I was a teenager, and it refreshing to see the growth and investment the community has put into this beautiful place. The following is a photo collection that features the typical pathway through the park. Each photo reflects on Aldo Leopold’s insights about obligations beyond self-interest when considering the environment.
The two images above are of my friends and I at Shades Beach. We were thirteen at the time and loved coming here to appreciate the beach’s’ beauty. The wooden bench was removed and is no longer there; however, it was much enjoyed by the community. Over the years I have spent a lot of time here and have reflected on the many memories I have made, as well as many others. The community feels a social responsibility to protect this beach and preserve it for future generations.
The pathway begins at the short distance to the boat launch and beach area. This picture encapsulates the direction one would follow to reach the beach. Following the s-curve along in this image, one can see that along the rocks, there is a boat launch. The Harborcreek community uses Shades Beach to gather for boat outings, launch kayaks, or walk around the dock. The community is constantly engaged at this park to enjoy shared activities or the lake itself.
As we approach the beach, newer items have been added like this wooden post. Hooked onto the post is litter baskets for litter collection. In recent years, the community has felt a sense to protect valuable assets of Harborcreek. This post encourages visitors to maintain this park and volunteer to pick up trash that others may have left behind. Preserving Shades Beach is important to keep the park lively and beautiful.
Next to the wooden post is the sign “I Love HC.” This monument is a testament to the community pride and identity felt by the Harborcreek community. Each visitor that comes into the park recognizes the importance of the environment and the need to sustain it. By observing this monument and its meaning, one may consider a commitment to protecting the beauty of the landscape.
The rock barrier provides protection to Shade Beach Park as Lake Erie erodes the beaches away. Pictured is my boyfriend picking up litter that made of made its way onto the rocks. Both portions of the photo present a proactive stewardship of the park’s shoreline. Environmentally, these rocks are needed to prevent erosion and protect the beach for future generations. Protecting the park’s biodiversity by picking up litter is important for maintaining the beach.
If one’s eyes appear to the left side of the beach, standing tall is a cliff formed from Lake Erie. At the bottom are stacked cement slabs which used to be a part of the boat launch. Gazing at the beauty of the cliff while recognizing the man-made cement provokes certain ideas about the beach and its importance. It is a place of beauty, but it requires upkeep to continue to be a source of joy for the Harborcreek community.
Nature can morph with human-made technology over time. The greenery has overtaken the cement, but one can still recognize its effect on the environment. The bunny has managed to make use of this structure. Reflecting on Leopold’s quote, this is an incidental harmony that humans have shaped without thought to their broader ecological obligations.
Shades Beach Park serves as a testament to the potential for community spaces to inspire both personal reflection and environmental stewardship. While much of its preservation is motivated by the community’s love and pride for this shared space, there remains a lingering need for deeper, more consistent commitment to ecological ethics, as Leopold describes. True environmental care requires moving beyond self-interest and convenience, fostering an ethic that values the land for more than its utility. As the Harborcreek community continues to protect and invest in Shades Beach, there is an opportunity to embrace a broader, more intentional responsibility toward the environment—ensuring that this beloved park remains a sanctuary not only for people but also for the diverse natural beauty it encompasses.