The annual Earth Force work day is today! This is an entire day that is dedicated to improving the health of East Indian Creek, a stream located in Morris Park, only steps away from our campus. This day also provides an opportunity to eighth graders working on their Earth Force projects to utilize this day to advance their work.
From a personal standpoint, I will be one of those people. I’m working to make sure that trees are planted in and around our community, especially for those that need them. There is a chance that there will be trees to plant tomorrow.
You’re probably wondering what kinds of activities will be included. We will be removing invasive species, clearing swamp algae, removing dead wood from trails, digging a runoff trench to prevent water erosion on the trail, and doing some general litter patrol.
I interviewed Dr. Z., one of the coordinators of the Earth Force work day. The first question I asked was about the activities that will be included, which was answered above. The second question is how this day will help the overall health of the stream. She replied, “Anytime we remove litter and trash, we are promoting the stream’s health. Runoff and erosion are bad for the plants and animals living in the stream. We are also improving the health of the park by removing invasive species. Invasive species compete with native species, yet don’t provide the same kinds of nutrients, food, and homes that native animals need.”
I also asked why getting everyone involved is important for helping the communities around us. “Communities are the source of bold change beginning in our local environment. The more we realize our connection to each other, the better care we take of each other and our surrounding environment. We are one ecosystem.”
One activity that wasn’t included in last year’s Earth Force work day is the fact that we’re hiking in the afternoon, but I think that this year’s is going to be even better than last year’s.