Aug 29, 2024

Emporia High School Partners with Emporia State University for Retention Pond Revitalization Project

Emporia, KS - August 28, 2024 – Emporia Public Schools is excited to announce an update on the collaborative effort between Emporia High School (EHS) and Emporia State University (ESU) to revitalize the retention pond located behind EHS. This initiative, led by Mr. Matt Irby,  EHS Science Teacher and Department Head, and Dr. Erika Martin, Associate Professor at ESU, aims to create a healthier environment while providing valuable hands-on learning experiences for students. 

The revitalization work received a significant boost with additional grant money from the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF) 79 Fund that was awarded to the school district for this project and approved at the Wednesday evening Board of Education meeting. This grant award from the ECF complements the initial support of $10,000 from the Chickadee Checkoff Grant award, of which the district is waiting for the check before bringing it to the Board of Education for approval. Other grant applications have been submitted to various entities.

The project originated from a partnership that began last September during an Ecology project at the Prairie Applied Research and Outdoor Classroom (PAROC). Dr. Martin, recognizing the potential of the retention pond as an educational resource, reached out to Mr. Irby to propose a partnership for the renovation. Reflecting on the decline of the retention pond’s condition over the past few years, Irby recognized the importance of restoring the area. "I took students out to the retention pond my first two years of teaching, but it got progressively worse, making it impossible for students to do research physically in the retention pond," Irby said. "With Dr. Martin's experience in grant writing, I realized this project was possible, and that began our collaborative partnership."

Students began working on the project last week, starting with the removal of non-native plants. The effort, supported by Biology students, Native Lands staff, and volunteers from ESU, marks the first step in restoring the retention pond to a healthier state. Additional plant removals will continue throughout the Fall. "This Fall, we are focusing on the riparian area," Dr. Martin explained. Plans are also in place for upcoming visits from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) to assess water quality and aquatic life, further involving Biology students in hands-on research.

To support the restoration efforts, supplies such as nets, waders, and microscopes will soon be ordered. On November 14th and 15th, Native Lands staff will return to assist with planting native vegetation around the retention pond, which is a crucial step in re-establishing a healthy ecosystem.

The revitalization work is guided by the principle of good stewardship. "We can make the retention pond a healthier environment by removing invasive and non-native species, planting native plants, and keeping trash out," Dr. Martin noted. Although the work is student-centered, instructors and experts from ESU will guide the selection of vegetation to be planted around the retention pond.

Dr. Martin expressed her enthusiasm for the project: "I am extremely appreciative to be involved in this project. It's science, education, and taking care of our community." Mr. Irby echoed her sentiments, adding, "It is amazing to see how passionate other people are to not only beautify the areas we live in but to provide valuable learning experiences for others."

Emporia Public Schools looks forward to the continued progress of this project, which demonstrates the district’s commitment to environmental stewardship and experiential learning.