Triton Students Volunteer At Potawatomi Wildlife Park
October 17, 2024 at 5:11 p.m.
TIPPECANOE – On a bright September morning, three buses carrying three Triton High School's SLC classes and three of Triton Elementary’s fifth-grade classes arrived at Potawatomi Wildlife Park, eager to lend a hand on various projects throughout the park.
At 8:30 a.m., the group was greeted by Park Manager Lacey Pfeiffer, maintenance employee Chad and several key members of the community, including board members Wyatt Stephen, Keith McIntire, Alex Gaughan and Marshall County Soil and Water District Cordinator Jodi Overmeyer. After a brief welcome, the students were divided into teams, ready to tackle a variety of tasks, according to a news release from Potawatomi Wildlife Park.
The primary focus of the day was the removal of invasive honeysuckle. Before diving into the work, students were given a quick lesson on how to identify the plant, why it’s invasive, and the importance of its removal.
One student asked, “How do we know where to begin?” The park’s tree task force had surveyed the park and set a goal to clear specific areas each year. This year, the team focused on the Pine Trail, located at the trail entrance and heading north. Armed with loppers, students worked in teams to cut down the honeysuckle, while others dragged the branches to a tractor or trailer, where they were transported to a designated pile for drying and eventual burning.
In addition to invasive species removal, other groups of students tackled projects around the park. One team thoroughly cleaned the interactive Visitor Center, polishing woodwork, cleaning glass and mopping floors. Another group organized the event closet at Bessinger Pavilion and tidied up the fire pit area by pulling weeds. Meanwhile, another group worked on cutting and laminating new maps and kids' scavenger hunts, which will be placed at the trail entrance for future visitors.
“We truly appreciate each and every volunteer who came out today,” said Pfeiffer. “It’s an honor to be chosen as one of the locations for Triton’s Give Back Day. The students’ efforts make a big difference in helping us maintain the park and preserve its natural beauty.”
Potawatomi Wildlife Park offers year-round opportunities for adventure, connection, and education from sunrise to sunset. Established in 1979 through the vision of Vernon Romine, the park spans over 300 acres and aims to connect people with nature, local history and the community through low-impact recreation and educational programming.
For more information on Potawatomi Wildlife Park, volunteering opportunities, or to make a donation, visit potawatomiwildlifepark.com.
TIPPECANOE – On a bright September morning, three buses carrying three Triton High School's SLC classes and three of Triton Elementary’s fifth-grade classes arrived at Potawatomi Wildlife Park, eager to lend a hand on various projects throughout the park.
At 8:30 a.m., the group was greeted by Park Manager Lacey Pfeiffer, maintenance employee Chad and several key members of the community, including board members Wyatt Stephen, Keith McIntire, Alex Gaughan and Marshall County Soil and Water District Cordinator Jodi Overmeyer. After a brief welcome, the students were divided into teams, ready to tackle a variety of tasks, according to a news release from Potawatomi Wildlife Park.
The primary focus of the day was the removal of invasive honeysuckle. Before diving into the work, students were given a quick lesson on how to identify the plant, why it’s invasive, and the importance of its removal.
One student asked, “How do we know where to begin?” The park’s tree task force had surveyed the park and set a goal to clear specific areas each year. This year, the team focused on the Pine Trail, located at the trail entrance and heading north. Armed with loppers, students worked in teams to cut down the honeysuckle, while others dragged the branches to a tractor or trailer, where they were transported to a designated pile for drying and eventual burning.
In addition to invasive species removal, other groups of students tackled projects around the park. One team thoroughly cleaned the interactive Visitor Center, polishing woodwork, cleaning glass and mopping floors. Another group organized the event closet at Bessinger Pavilion and tidied up the fire pit area by pulling weeds. Meanwhile, another group worked on cutting and laminating new maps and kids' scavenger hunts, which will be placed at the trail entrance for future visitors.
“We truly appreciate each and every volunteer who came out today,” said Pfeiffer. “It’s an honor to be chosen as one of the locations for Triton’s Give Back Day. The students’ efforts make a big difference in helping us maintain the park and preserve its natural beauty.”
Potawatomi Wildlife Park offers year-round opportunities for adventure, connection, and education from sunrise to sunset. Established in 1979 through the vision of Vernon Romine, the park spans over 300 acres and aims to connect people with nature, local history and the community through low-impact recreation and educational programming.
For more information on Potawatomi Wildlife Park, volunteering opportunities, or to make a donation, visit potawatomiwildlifepark.com.