Thoreau School River Trail
| School/Organization: |
Thoreau School
Concord, Massachusetts
USA |
| Grade Level: |
High School/Secondary |
| Group Size: |
2 |
| Project Scope: |
More Challenging |
| Hours Spent on Project: |
25 |
| Category: |
Education and Public Awareness, Invasive Species, Pollution / Clean Up, Restoration and Protection, Water and Wetlands
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We coordinated with our 5th grade teacher in order to create the Thoreau School River Trail. The purpose of this trail is so elementary age students gain an appreciation for the wetlands.
Clean up and protection of the wetlands along the Assabet River
Our project involved coordinating with the members of the committee, as well as undertaking a permitting process needed before we could start our project. We learned how to identify invasive species, and safe methods for their removal. Removal needed to start before the trail could be constructed. We also cleaned out a mile and a half segment of the Assabet River, removing a mound of discarded car parts, propane tanks, and many other pieces of trash!
How Your Group's Environmental Ethic Changed
With the Boy Scouts, both of us earned Merit Badges in Environmental Science. We spent a lot of time being outdoors during our scouting career, and this gives us an appreciation for nature. You want to preserve what you have experienced in a positive way.
What We Wish We Had Known Before We Started.
The permitting process was quite intense. It was also difficult to learn the names of all the invasive species that were found in the trail area. I wish I knew how allergic I was to poison ivy before we started. Also, it was difficult to know what some of the debris was that we pulled from the river, and this ended up with the Hazardous Materials team being called in to remove some of the items we found.
How We Made A Difference
Without our clearing the invasives, the trail could not be started. The river cleaning will also have a positive effect on the wildlife that inhabits that area, since metals and other potentially toxic substances will not be leaching out into the soil and water.
Who Or What Has Shaped Environmental Thinking In Your Culture Or Country?
We both went to Thoreau School in Concord, named after Henry David Thoreau, who has inspired children to take care of their environment. Also, being in the Boy Scouts has greatly shaped our awareness of the importance of being stewards for the environment.
Next Steps
Since our project, the trail has been constructed. This will allow the 400 plus students at Thoreau School to access the wetlands and learn about the importance of wetlands. They will also have a wooded place for quite reflection and journaling, which is important as they go through school.