Cleaning Efforts at McKellar Lake: A Student’s Passion for Environmental Action
Faith Breausche, a senior biochemistry major at Illinois State University, recently spent a day removing over 11,000 pounds of garbage from McKellar Lake in Memphis, Tennessee. As part of an alternative Spring Break, she joined 36 other volunteers committed to the cleanliness and preservation of this important body of water that merges with the Mississippi River. This trip marked Faith’s third participation, driven by her deep concerns about climate change and its future impacts.
The Day’s Journey: From Preparation to Clean-Up
The day began early for Faith and her fellow Illinois State students, boarding a bus at 8:15 a.m. to reach the marina. Upon arrival, Faith suited up with a life jacket, engaged in cheerful greetings with peers, and got energized by the upbeat tunes on the music boat. Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) staff briefed the group on safety and the previous day’s accomplishments, which included collecting nearly 13,600 pounds of trash, setting a motivated tone for the day.
Teamwork and Discovery on the Lake
Navigating through McKellar Lake, Faith and her group, composed of students from various universities, embarked on their cleaning mission aboard jon boats. Each boat was led by a seasoned LL&W group leader, like Mike “Coach” Coyne-Logan, who was known for his engaging personality and knack for nicknaming volunteers. Amidst their efforts, Faith discovered unique items like a tie-dye rubber duck and encountered the ever-present problem of Styrofoam pollution, which she vowed to avoid due to its detrimental environmental impact.
Reflections and Insights from a Day of Hard Work
After a full day of hard work, the group reflected on their contributions and the broader implications of their efforts. They discussed the substantial lowering of the lake’s water levels, possibly due to climate change, and pondered personal actions to conserve water resources. Each year, Faith finds these experiences increasingly enlightening, reinforcing her commitment to environmental stewardship and encouraging her to share her newfound knowledge with others.
Throughout this initiative, Faith Breausche exemplifies how individual dedication can significantly impact environmental conservation. Her story not only highlights the urgency of addressing pollution but also the power of community and education in fostering sustainable practices.