In honor of Earth Day, about 50 students from St. Isidore School in Bloomington visited Hearthwood Senior Living to celebrate the ecological restoration of a community pond. Alongside residents and civic leaders, the students engaged in a morning of environmental education, complete with an eco walk and hands-on planting activities. “It showed how beautiful nature is,” said eighth grader Emma LeMone.
This restoration effort was led by 84-year-old resident Joyce Zemba. When Joyce and her husband moved to Hearthwood eight years ago, she specifically chose an apartment with a view of the community pond and surrounding wetland so she could enjoy the community’s natural beauty. Over the years, she noticed invasive species like weeds and toxic algae taking over the pond and harming wildlife, so she decided to do something about it.
Joyce presented her plan to Hearthwood’s executive director, Eric Gross, who supported her efforts. They partnered with McCloud Aquatics to mitigate invasive species and replenish native biodiversity, and discovered that if Joyce hadn’t demanded action, within a few years the pond would’ve dried up. This event not only taught students to appreciate nature, but also the power of one person to enact change. “Joyce identified an issue and made real change happen,” said Hanover Township Supervisor Brian McGuire. “One person can make a difference.”
Check out The Daily Herald’s front-page coverage of this project and event to learn more.
