Vol. 19, No. 32

May 25, 2000

Students help environment through greenway project

Roger J. Spacht, health and exercise sciences, and 30 recreation and parks degree students in the Health and Exercise Science Program spent May 20 working to turn 1/4 mile of abandoned railroad tracks on University property north of the intersection of Cleveland and North College avenues into a greenway path to White Clay Creek Park. The students moved trees, cut away brush and hauled trash. The project will continue with future students and is a class exercise in restoring and preserving open air sites for recreational purposes. Course instructor Spacht said that while students learn they'll be doing something for the community. "This will have a direct affect on Newark, the students will be engaged in environmental stewardship that will ultimately give people access to White Clay Creek state park," he said. Students are learning the most environmentally sound methods of restoring abandoned areas, how to deal with property issues and how to trace the historic significance of the site, Spacht explained. Eventually, a plaque will be placed at the site. - Barbara Garrison