Mason Kraft of Bemus Point is pictured filling a wheelbarrow on a rain-filled day at the Chautauqua Marina.
Recently, students enrolled in the Conservation/Natural Resource Management program spent six days working on a streambank erosion project near the Chautauqua Marina. This initiative aims to stabilize the streambank, prevent erosion, and protect the water quality in the region.
The project, which involves creating a buffer zone near the dock to prevent erosion, is designed to catch and filter out any contaminants before they enter the lake. This hands-on experience provides students with practical knowledge about the importance of conservation and natural resource management.
“This planting project is two-fold,” said Jeff Angeletti, conservation teacher. “This will help act as a buffer zone, and the plants will also catch any water runoff and filter out fertilizers, if there are any, before they enter the lake.”
The work that was performed by a rotating group of six junior and senior students each day will do its part to mitigate the algae situation on Chautauqua Lake.
Jeff Angeletti, Conservation/Natural Resource Management teacher at the Hewes Educational Center, gives a student a muddy handshake.
“This really is an important project considering the attention paid to Chautauqua Lake and its algae bloom problem,” said Christian Hy, Conservation/Natural Resource Management teacher. “There is no project too small when it comes to preventing harmful water runoff into the lake.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, this project serves as a valuable learning experience for the students. Their involvement in such initiatives helps them gain a deeper understanding of conservation efforts and fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
This isn’t the first time Hewes Educational Center students have engaged in such a significant project. A few years ago, the Conservation class performed a similar project along the lakefront near the Marina.
This project underscores Hewes Educational Center’s commitment to providing its students with not only a top-notch education but also the practical experience necessary to become responsible citizens and environmental stewards.
“The effort and dedication displayed by these students are an inspiration to us all,” said Paul Mihalko, Hewes Educational Center building principal.
The planting project along the boardwalk at the Marina will help filter out pollutants to Chautauqua Lake.
Six junior and senior students rotated daily from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18 to work on the Chautauqua Marina planting project.
Submitted photos