Working with AmeriCorps
On November 15, 2002, eleven members of the AmeriCorps team worked along with Team Estonoa members to install a 100 foot drainage pipe on the southwest side of the Wetlands Estonoa.
A two thousand dollar grant was donated from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for the drainage pipe.
Team leader, Christian Wuerth, explained that the group members were part of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a national service program. "We operate shelters, we feed people, we install drainage pipes," said Wuerth.
After the tedious work was performed, Team Estonoa cooked up a pot of black beans and rice with chicken. The meal, visit and work accomplished made our time together a very worthwhile experience.
Denise Mathews - Team Mentor
Interpretative Signs
Team Estonoa is purchasing interpretative signs from Fibre Signs. Funding for this project will come from a $1,000 Department of Environmental Quality grant.
The signs will contain:
*a description of a wetlands
*information regarding aquatic plant species
(weeping willows, cattails, & water lillies)
*a description of peat
*samples of different animal tracks
These proposed signs were inspired by our visit to Tom's Creek Outdoor Classroom.
Josh Lawson & Nikki Turner - SPHS Seniors
Upon becoming a member of Team Estonoa, I expected to play in the water and mud and get a little dirty. It has been a pleasant surprise to realize what you give and get out of this project is so much more!
Jessica Domby - SPHS Senior
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Estonoa Joke Peat and Repeat were decomposing from a log. Peat settled to the bottom of Estonoa. Who was left? Repeat Peat and Repeat were decomposing from a log. Peat settled to the bottom of Estonoa. Who was left? Repeat Peat and Repeat were decomposing from a log. Peat settled to the bottom of Estonoa. Who was left? Repeat -Adam Mathews
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Thoughts What I've really loved the most about working with Project Estonoa is the enthusiasm of the high schoolers. This is our first project where we know for a fact more than one or two people really care about what we're doing. Jo Ann Lutmer AmeriCorps |
More Thoughts I feel like I am actually doing something besides sitting and listening to a teacher drone. Jessica Kennedy The wetlands allows people who would ordinarily stereotype this rural area to realize that many dedicated teachers and students can be found here. Eric Turner |
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Last Thoughts This is different from anything I've ever done.
Different in a good way. It allows me to get out and do things - I'm
really involved. We're the ones making plans for Estonoa's future.
I really think that this is how most classes should be. it actually
makes me want to learn. The Saint Paul High School Administration
enthusiastically supports Team Estonoa in its environmental endeavors.
This unique site-based project has also created strong interest and
encouragement from our student body, faculty, school board, and community. |