This week we will be doing a litter cleanup at Kilbuck Bluffs. There is often a significant amount of trash along the trails, and early spring gives us better access before vegetation fills in. We will begin by discussing the environmental impact of litter and pollution, including how trash affects wildlife and natural habitats. After our discussion, students will hike through the preserve using trash grabbers to collect and bag litter from heavily impacted areas. This is a meaningful, hands on way to care for our local environment while learning about real world conservation. _______________________________________________ The Environmental Stewardship Club is a hands-on, service-focused club designed for homeschool students who want to make a real difference in their local environment. This club combines outdoor exploration, environmental education, and meaningful volunteer work in natural areas throughout our community. Rather than meeting in a classroom, most gatherings will take place outdoors at forest preserves, parks, and nature centers. Each meeting will include a short educational discussion to help students understand the purpose and impact of the day’s work, followed by hands-on service activities. Students may participate in activities such as: Habitat restoration Native planting Invasive species removal Wildlife support projects Water quality testing Litter cleanup Citizen science projects Environmental monitoring This club is best suited for middle school and high school students, though younger siblings may participate if they are able to safely and meaningfully engage in the activities. Meetings will typically last 2–3 hours and will take place at varying outdoor locations depending on the project. Some meetings may take place indoors during colder months or for special activities. The goal of the Environmental Stewardship Club is to help students develop a meaningful connection to nature while contributing to conservation efforts in our community. Students will gain knowledge, practical skills, and service experience while working together to care for local natural areas. They will also leave meetups with certified volunteer hours that are perfect for including on high school transcripts! Book now to save the date. No RSVP required. This is a free offering.