As clubs are officially on everyone’s schedules, it’s important to get to learn about each and every one of them. If you are a nature lover and want a fun and interactive way to show your care for the environment, then keep reading.

The IHS Eco-Club is full of incredibly passionate members who want to make a difference, even if it’s only in their town. They educate not only their group members but others outside of the club about the importance of taking care of the environment. 

Junior and Recording Secretary Dakota Sparks mentions her favorite part of being in the IHS Eco-Club, “My favorite part about Eco Club is the fundraisers we’ve done in the past, just raising money for organizations that are trying to make the world a better place.”

Every year the club holds exciting fundraisers for the students that promote local organizations. The members this year are intending on hosting a bake sale, participating in the Teddy Bear Fund Drive, and selling bracelets along with Gardner’s Candies. 

One of the primary focuses this year is discussing invasive species such as the spotted lantern fly, which has been an increasing threat to agricultural crops across the United States. They are also discussing restoring vernal ponds around town, which are small temporary ponds that form seasonally. These ponds create homes for many various species of animals, so they are extremely important to the environment. 

Junior student and club president Cassie Michele speaks on these several goals, “I want to make sure everyone learns about the ecosystem and the environment we live in each day. It is extremely important, more than some may fully understand.” 

The club members also participate in a major event every year called the Pennsylvania Envirothon. During the event, each school is tested on their knowledge in five topic areas – Soil and Land Use, Forestry, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues. The members are not only tested on their knowledge but also gain knowledge as well, as they are exposed to all sorts of nature throughout the event. During the year, professionals visit and help the club members prepare for the competition by going over each of these topics.

Junior and Corresponding Secretary Victoria Gallager speaks on the importance of not only the Envirothon, but the club in general, “A lot of people aren’t aware of what is going on environmentally. It may seem like everyone gets preached about it a lot, but most people still don’t take action.”

In more ways than one, the IHS Eco Club is a great club to be involved in. Not only are there opportunities to learn all about the environment, but there is a fun and welcoming community that comes with it.