Geography Project Plan
Moses Zamora
Liberty University
GEOG 200: Introduction to Geography
Professor Stephen Underwood
I. Introduction
This project will focus on the humanitarian sector with an emphasis on health. This
statistic is a part of the reason why, “An estimated 3.2 percent of American children and
adolescents have diagnosed depression.” (2023)
Although this project will involve the construction of a simple tree house in my back yard, the
meaning behind it is much more powerful than its simplicity. This treehouse is the embodiment
of using nature and activity to treat today’s growing rates of depression and declining health.
II. General Overview and Rationale
In today’s 21st century, our pre-teens and adolescents have an uphill battle to contend
with. With the invention of the computer and phone, we now have social media and
cyberbullying. This leads to our children and young generation thinking negatively about
themselves. Noticing the tiniest imperfections and blowing them out of proportion. “Experts
worry that the social media and text messages that have become so integral to teenage life are
promoting anxiety and lowering self-esteem.” (2023) It is no wonder why our children are being
diagnosed with depression in record numbers.
This is why this treehouse is so important. I have a young pre-teen who is starting to take
notice of her body and image. She has even mentioned to wanting to go on a diet, which she does
not need. So, I can see where this is heading. But, before it gets to that point of diagnosed
depression, or any type of eating disorder, this is where physical activity steps in. Exercise and
physical activity have been proven to help alleviate depression. "In people who are depressed,
neuroscientists have noticed that the hippocampus in the brain—the region that helps regulate
mood—is smaller. Exercise supports nerve cell growth in the hippocampus, improving nerve cell
connections, which helps relieve depression," (2021)
The construction of this tree house has been a labor of love and I want it to serve as a
reminder to my child. A reminder that she is worth my time, energy, and love.
III. Region Relevance
My home of Lake Jackson, Texas is in the southwest region of the United States. The
ecoregion that I am apart of is the gulf prairies and marshes region. This slow draining region is
almost level, sitting under one hundred fifty feet of elevation. Even though urbanization has
diminished a significant amount of the natural vegetation, my area is still very abundant in live
oak trees.
IV. Location Relevance
The absolute location of Lake Jackson is 29 degrees North and 95 degrees West. It is a
city in south-central Brazoria county, Texas. Although still considered to be a part of Houston’s
metropolitan area, Lake Jackson’s relative location is 52 miles to the south of Houston, Texas.
The Gulf of Mexico is also nine miles to the south of Lake Jackson.
V. Place Relevance
The most significant landform near Lake Jackson is Damon Mound. It is a limestone
formation, which is sedimentary rock, that is one hundred forty-six feet above elevation. The
Brazos River is a major river that flows through Lake Jackson ending at the Gulf of Mexico.
Other rivers and streams including, the San Bernard River, Oyster Creek, Bastrop, and Chocolate
Bayou flow alongside Lake Jackson though Brazoria County. Many of the animals that reside in
Lake Jackson and the surrounding areas are armadillos, racoons, skunks, horses, longhorns,
cattle, deer, and opossums.
VI. Movement Relevance
Due to the Texas Oil Boom, this region has had an increasing number in population and
constant economic growth. Even though this discovery in petroleum occurred in the early 20th
century, it has had lasting effects on the economy of Brazoria County. A way to transport this oil
and other goods to and from this area is by cargo ships, using the nearby Houston Ship Channel.
Because of Houston’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, it is this area’s busiest port. The building
of this transportation infrastructure has helped to strengthened Lake Jackson’s manufacturing
and services.
VII. Human-Environmental Interaction Relevance
Because of the oil and gas industry being this area’s largest economic supporter, is has
positive and negative impacts on the environment. Many positives have to do with helping and
making our lives easier. It makes up 80 percent of this area’s energy. Not to mention, all the jobs
that it creates. But as far as negatives go, they are significant. The oil and gas industry are a
major pollutant. A few of these pollutants are carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, and oil spills.
“Oil spills contaminate soil and water and may cause devastating explosions and fires.” (2022)
They are harmful to the environment, communities, wildlife, and wilderness.
VIII. Budget
The materials that I used to construct this tree house, I purchased at my local Home
Depot. I used my SUV to haul them from store to my home, which was 4 miles roundtrip. I am
currently building this tree house on my own, so my labor costs are $0. Here is my material list:
Material Number of Pieces Total of Pieces
Concrete Pier Block 9 $77.31
4x4 Post 9 $79.02
2x4 Deck Boards 30 $161.40
2x6 Boards 6 $46.68
Deck Rail Boards 20 $33.60
4x8 Plywood Sheet 6 $202.50
3” Deck Screws 25lb. Pack $69.87
Gas 1 Gallon $3.16
Total
$673.54
IX. Summary
In building this treehouse, I am hoping to relieve some of my daughter’s anxiety. Her
physical activity in playing with this will give her the movement and fun that she needs to feel
like a kid and forget about the negative emotions brought on by today’s technology. “From
promoting physical activity and cognitive development to fostering social skills and nurturing
creativity, a tree house becomes a cherished place where children can explore, learn, and grow.”
(2023)
X. References
(2023, February 1). Depression in Children and Teens. Yale Medicine.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/depression-in-children-and-teens
Ehmke, R. (2023, June 30). How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers. Child Mind Institute.
https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/
(2021, February 2). Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression. Harvard Health
Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-
to-fight-depression
(2022, August 1). Oil and petroleum products explained. Energy Information Administration.
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/oil-and-the-environment.php
(2023, June 6). The Incredible Benefits of Backyard Treehouses for Kids: Exploring the
Outdoors with Imagination and Fun. Tree Top Builders.
https://ww.treetopbuilders.net/blogs/tree-house-blog/the-incredible-benefits-of-backyard-
treehouses-for-kids
