Did you know that being outside is actually healthy for you? Enjoying nature, maybe sitting on some grass under a big oak tree and reading a book are great activities for mental health. Studies demonstrate that being outside decreases stress and anxiety levels. ECO club is a great way to enjoy nature right here on campus. It was founded five years ago. “A student in the fall of 2019 asked me if I would support her and her friends to start the ECO club. She researched how to start a club and some of her friends participated,” Environmental Science teacher Kenda Kirby said.
There are many different types of activities the club sponsors. “We do a combination of arts, crafts, and nature stuff. It depends on the weather and what people’s interests are. The main project is recycling paper,” Kirby said. Recently, ECO has gotten a greenhouse, and they have some healthy plans for it. “Our plans are to use it for class curriculum for multiple classes, photojournalism, growing fresh kid friendly produce, and growing healthy food for kids. For the greenhouse, people from the community can help water in the summer,” Kirby said.
ECO’s goals for this school year include several different projects. “We participate in a butterfly release for elementary school students, and we are applying for a grant to support student projects. We are also trying to get paper processing equipment,” she said.
To live in a better, cleaner, and healthier environment work has to be done. The ECO club does some activities to help with that. “We recycle paper, take care of pollinator plants, erosion control, and water trees,” Kirby said.
Here’s what Junior Gracie Popchoke thinks about the ECO Club.
“I like anything to do with the environment. When I first heard about global warming, I cried my eyes out. The President’s job is to make topics for the meeting, figure out what to do in the meeting, and help get the community together. I like attending the outdoor classroom and recycling.” Popchoke said.
The main thing that holds any team or club together is teamwork. The ECO club made a float for homecoming, and it required a lot of work, time, and planning to complete. “The theme of ECO Club’s float is Howdy from ECO Club’s Way Out West Ecosystem for Howdy Homecoming,”Kirby said. The ECO Club’s float won 2nd place in the competition.
