The EE Sampler - Jefferson County Public Schools

The
EE Sampler
Selections from the
Louisville Environmental Reader:
Exploring Local Issues, Events, and Experiences
The Partnership for a Green City
www.partnershipforagreencity.org

Acknowledgements
This project developed through the collaboration of the
following organizations:
UL Center for Environmental Education
Co-Directors:
Teddie Phillipson Mower
Dr. David Wicks
JCPS Center for Environmental Education
Coordinator: Dr. David Wicks
Resource Teacher: Donna Griffin
UL Honors College
Dr. John Richardson, UL Honors Program
Dr. Barbara Burns, UL Psychological and Brain Science
Teddie Phillipson Mower, UL College of Education and Human Development
Dr. David Wicks, JCPS Center for Environmental Education
The UL Honors College Students of the following classes:
Urban Waters
Introduction to Environmental Education
Environmental Toxins
Environmental Education Reader Review Committee
Donna Griffin
Bryan Thompson
Judy Gardner
Claudia George
Leslie Gividen

Introduction
This environmental sampler was developed by the JCPS Center for
Environmental Education and the UL Center for Environmental Education to serve two
purposes. First, to provide UL Honors Colleges students with a creative way to think
about their course content relating to environmental issues, and the opportunity to express
their knowledge in forms (genres) that were new to them. Second, to use the work of the
UL Honors College students to provide information to middle school students about their
local environment in forms (genres) that they would be learning to use as a part of their
middle school writing curriculum, as well as providing reading material that supports the
middle school reading core content.
This sampler contains representative writing pieces selected from the entire
document, Louisville’s Environmental Reader: Exploring Local Issues, Events, and
Experiences. It can be found at www.jefferson.kyschools.us/ee and
www.louisville.edu/education/research/centers/environmental-ed The website not only
contains many additional pieces of writing about our local environment, but a section of
teacher resources. Community members will also find this reading informative and
thought provoking.
This project is an example of how members of the Partnership for a Green City
work together to promote environmental literacy both for schools and community. The
Partnership is made up of Jefferson County Public Schools, the University of Louisville,
and Louisville Metro Government. These institutions together have a tremendous impact
on our community, and strive to make Louisville Metro a “greener” city through the
partnership. To find out more about the Partnership for a Green City go to
www.partnershipforagreencity.org.
Donna Griffin
Editor
Louisville’s Environmental Reader: Exploring
Local Issues, Events, and Experiences
and
The EE Sampler
To see
Louisville’s Environmental Reader: Exploring Local
Issues, Events, and Experiences
go to
www.jefferson.kyschool.us/ee or
www.louisville.edu/education/research/centers/environmental-ed

The
EE Sampler
Selections from the
Louisville Environmental Reader:
Exploring Local Issues, Events, and Experiences
A curriculum supplement developed to support middle school
instruction across the content areas and inform our community.
Writing pieces by UL Honors College Students
Editor, Donna Griffin

The EE Sampler
Selections from the Louisville Environmental Reader: Exploring Local
Issues, Events, and Experiences
Table of Contents
Personal Narrative…………………………………………………………..1
Cleaning Beargrass Creek…………………………………………...2
A Creek in Need……………………………………………………..3
Personal Writing: Memoir………………………………………………….5
A Beargrass Creek Experience………………………………………6
Second Hand Smoke…………………………………………………8
Personal Essay……………………………………………………………....9
Do You Hear the Noise?....................................................................10
Life as a Second Hand Smoker……………………………………..11
More Than Meets the Eye…………………………………………..13
Transactive Writing: Informational, Feature Articles, Brochures………...15
Rain Gardens: What, Why and How?...............................................16
Impervious Surfaces: What Are They?.............................................17
Disposal of Animal Waste………………………………………….18
Exercise and Asthma……………………………………………….19
Transactive: Persuasive Writing…………………………………………...21
Mining Proposal…………………………………………………….22
Native Species Letter………………………………………………..23
Farming v. Fishing: Is One Industry Literally Killing the Other?......24
Air Pollution Letter………………………………………………….25
Literary Writing: Short Stories, Monologues, and Plays…………………..26
Saving Public Parks………………………………………………….27
Learning Consequences……………………………………………..29
Environmental Hazards Monologue………………………………...31
Literary Writing: Poetry…………………………………………………....32
The Change of “My Roots”………………………………………….33
The Oak Tree………………………………………………………...34
Beargrass Creek……………………………………………………..34
Fall in the City……………………………………………………….35
Recycle………………………………………………………………36
A Revolting Reality………………………………………………….36

Personal Narrative
A personal narrative focuses on a single incident in the writer's life and has a clear
purpose, the significance of which is clear to the reader. It is written in first person,
has many relevant sensory details, includes the author's feelings and thoughts, and
often includes dialogue.
Contents
Cleaning Beargrass Creek Kristen Barnes page 2
A Creek in Need Aaron Olson page 3
1

Cleaning Beargrass Creek
Kristen Barnes
We began in the early morning, meeting our classmates and others from the
community, all anticipating the annual event focused on cleaning up Beargrass Creek.
The creek runs throughout the city of Louisville, so nobody really expected it to be clean,
but as we began to make our way to the banks just beyond Highway 42, I think even
veterans of the clean-up were surprised by what greeted us. As some began to move up
and down the banks, our class clambered into two long outrigger canoes. We brought
with us gloves, nets, and trash bags, and then pushed off into the center of the Creek.
It was slow going, as the way was clogged by logs and branches. We stopped
frequently to net floating coffee cups and old soda cans, filling our bags as we sojourned
further up steam. Rain had been scarce all season, so we hadn't gone far when we
reached the first shallow riffle. We paddled the canoes to shore, then disembarked into
what could only be called a uniquely populated area. Leeches were our primary
company, an indicator of poor water quality. The banks were littered with discarded
trash, as the rest of the creek had been. This particular spot was also marked by old
curtains, a car battery, and a water-logged Elmo doll. A bit of pushing and pulling
dislodged an old shopping cart, and a myriad of other peculiar finds were quickly
amassed by my classmates.
Once everything was situated precariously in the two canoes, we began to head
back downstream to deposit our wares with the rest of the clean-up operation. It was an
interesting feeling, one of accomplishment mingled with… perhaps it could be called
disappointment. While we had collected a panoply of discarded items from one small
stretch of the creek, it seemed only too likely that there were dozens of other sites just
like it further up stream, shielded from the view of the general public, out of sight and out
of mind.
Education will clearly be the key in making a lasting positive impact on Beargrass
Creek. The more people are aware of what is around them, or how their actions are
impacting water all across Louisville, the better chance the creek will have of someday
flowing more freely, unencumbered by debris, as well as being a safe, healthy home to
many types of aquatic life.
2

Aaron Olson
A Creek in Need
September 22 nd 2007 is a day that will always hold a place in my mind. On this day, I
went with my Urban Waters class at the University of Louisville to paddle and help clean up
Beargrass Creek, a creek well-known in the Louisville area. The 22 nd was also scheduled as a
clean-up day for the creek, where local volunteers pick up trash and attempt to make a small dent
in the amount of litter cluttering the banks. I knew that the creek was unclean and had seen the
signs stating that it was also unfit for swimming and fishing, but I was unaware of how bad it
actually was.
Upon arrival at the parking lot off Story Avenue where the class was meeting, I was
outfitted by the clean-up organizers with gloves and a large trash bag, as were my classmates.
We went down to the edge of the creek where a small number of volunteers were hard at work
picking up trash that had been carelessly tossed out of windows or not picked up by their fellow
citizens. It was unfortunate to see how few people had sacrificed their Saturday morning to help
remove trash from the waters. We climbed into our canoes and headed up stream to do water
quality analyses and to do our part in cleaning. On our short trip up to where the tests were done,
I saw hundreds of plastic bottles, Styrofoam cups, and plastic bags. I also noted the unbelievable
number of shopping carts; I probably counted close to fifteen. To top all this off, there was even
an upside down Volkswagen Beetle resting in the middle of the creek, where I imagine it had
been for at least most of my lifetime.
The water quality tests showed even more proof that Beargrass creek is suffering. We
found mainly leeches and aquatic worms and none of the invertebrates that signify good water
quality.
After the tests, we stayed at our landing area for about twenty minutes picking up all
kinds of trash, many plastic bags and bottles, clothing, a mannequin, and the biggest item, one of
3

the many shopping carts. We piled all fourteen or so bags plus the mannequin and the shopping
cart into one of the canoes and made our way back to where we began. Sadly, judging by the
number of bags left by other volunteers, the turnout, at least in our area of the creek, was poor.
Beargrass Creek flows through most parts of our city and is so polluted that it is not safe
to enjoy the way it could be. Cleaning and canoeing at Beargrass Creek has made me realize the
importance keeping our local streams and creeks clean. Before this trip it was easy for me to not
think much about Beargrass Creek, but now it is hard for me to forget the state it is in. The trip
on the creek has raised my awareness to it's problems and has provided the impetus for me to
attend clean up days and tell others about what I experienced, hoping that they too will see a
need to clean up and maintain this local landmark
4

Personal Writing:
Memoir
A memoir is a piece of writing that shows the importance of the
relationship of the author and another significant person, place,
object, or animal.
Contents
A Beargrass Creek Experience Dustin Kostalek page 6
Clean Up Beargrass Creek Justin B. Faith page 7
Second Hand Smoke Patti Reitz page 8
5

A Beargrass Creek Experience
By: Dustin Kostalek
Being a native of Western Kentucky and not too familiar with all the sites and attractions
surrounding the Louisville area, I was excited to have the opportunity to paddle on Beargrass
Creek. My Urban Water class had volunteered to participate in a cleanup held at Beargrass
Creek and then we were going to paddle for the rest of the afternoon. Prior to arriving at the
creek, I had expected there to be some trash scattered along the banks, but what I saw was
unbelievable. The amount of trash in the creek and all along the banks was disheartening. After
seeing the unexplainable items that had been tossed into the river, I could understand why the
creek was no longer safe for fishing or swimming. When items such as: shopping carts, car
batteries, glass plates, old recreation equipment, metal items, and even an old Volkswagen Beetle
are present in or along the creek, you know there is a problem.
My class, which was made up of fifteen students and two instructors, gathered several
bags of garbage during the cleanup. However, when we were finished collecting garbage, it
seemed like we did not make that much of a difference. The amount of waste and filth in
Beargrass Creek is so great that it is going to take a collective effort from the community over
the next several years to return the creek to the state that it should be. Our class participated in a
well organized cleanup attempt; however, the amount of volunteers that were present that
Saturday morning was a little discouraging. Besides our class, there were maybe ten to twelve
volunteers helping out in the effort. For Beargrass Creek to become safe for recreation again, it
is going to take a greater commitment from the local community in the cleanup effort.
Our class has also had the opportunity to paddle other local bodies of water such as:
Harrods Creek and Floyds Fork, each of which was much more enjoyable than our time spent at
Beargrass Creek. There is no reason why a day spent on Beargrass Creek can not be as
enjoyable as spending a day on any other local body of water. That Saturday spent on Beargrass
Creek made me realize that we, as a society, need to start taking better care of our natural
resources quickly before it becomes too late. I think people of all ages deserve a chance to
experience and enjoy the many pleasures of a day spent at the creek. In a society, where we are
always telling people to get out and enjoy nature and the world, it is hard to tell someone to
enjoy a creek where there are old car batteries in the water and rusty shopping carts along the
bank.
6

Let’s Clean Up Beargrass Creek Today
Justin B. Faith
Going from the clean, high-quality aquatic water located at Harrod’s Creek to the green,
slimy substance that covered the polluted waters of Beargrass Creek made me realize the vast
differences in watersheds here in Louisville, Kentucky. My “Urban Waters” class participated in
the Annual Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep in order to learn about the watershed and to make a
difference in the community by helping clean it up. It was quite an experience paddling through
the poor quality water that was not safe for human contact and could not support aquatic life. It
was extremely disappointing that the waters had been polluted so badly that we did not even
need to do a water quality test to determine the high contamination level of the water. Although
my class was not able to make a huge impact in cleaning the stream in the few hours we were
there, it did leave a large impression on every individual there to do their part in the future to
clean the watershed. Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces has been a large problem in
this creek responsible for reducing the amount of oxygen in the water, which creates a lack of
support needed to ensure a diversity of aquatic life including fish and many macroinvertabrates.
The three forks of Beargrass Creek drain into downtown Louisville and provide much
water to our city, so it is imperative that citizens do their part to help address water quality issues
both as private individuals and public entities. Our overarching goal for Beargrass Creek should
be to provide a stream of water that is safe for human contact. The success of the watershed will
depend on local clean-water efforts, like the Beargrass Creek Cleanup, and ensuring that people
are educated about how to improve the water quality by being proactive in things like planting
native species, not littering, picking up after pets, recycling, and planting rain gardens.
Beargrass Creek can be healthy and vibrant for future generations to use if we start
adopting environmentally friendly practices today. Now is the time for this key watershed of
Louisville to become a top priority of the public. I hope to continue going to watershed cleanups
in the future to better educate myself and others of the importance of clean water in our
community. Hopefully one day, students of a future “Urban Waters” class will be able to paddle
down a clear, high water quality Beargrass Creek and learn about the impact that individuals
before them had on the watershed.
7

Patti Reitz
13 Nov 2007
Second Hand Smoke Memoir
Throughout my childhood, my family took many summer vacations. We drove
each summer to one of the beaches along the Atlantic coastline in Florida and South
Carolina. I have fond memories of playing in the sand with my sisters and looking for
seashells. However, the journey to get there holds a very different memory for me. With
two sisters, our parents, and over packed luggage, I usually resorted to the back seat of
our minivan. Sleep would have been a retreat for me, but was impossible. I would feel
headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Originally, you might have been wondering
if I suffer from car sickness, but this culprit was worse for me. My father has smoked
cigarettes since the age of thirteen. On each of our trips, I would plead with him not to
light each cigarette, “Please, just wait for a rest stop!” The response I received was to roll
down that small window upfront and promise to blow the toxins outside. I could see the
fluttering smoke drift back gradually to my resting place. I would try to cover my mouth,
using a blanket as a filter, but the sickness would come. That stench of cigarettes, while
being trapped inside a car is what I remember from childhood trips. My body probably
holds the effects of these secondhand smoke marathons. Toxins seeping into my lungs
and brain for hours on end may seem like I am describing some inhumane torture. Maybe
the next time someone decides to take a quick puff, they should view it the same way.
8

Personal Essay
A personal essay focuses on one idea, belief, or insight that is of
significance to the writer.
Contents
Do You Hear the Noise? Vanessa Hicks page 10
Life as a Second-Hand Smoker Liz Gramiak page 11
More Than Meets the Eye Brian Durham page 13
9

Do you hear the noise?
By Vanessa Hicks
There’s no time to stop and find a trash can. I’ve got to make it to
the movies by 9:30. It couldn’t possibly hurt for me to throw this burger
wrapper and French fry canister out the window. The city is so big, and
these two little things cannot possibly hurt it that much…could they?
The answer to this question is: yes, it does hurt. It makes a huge
difference. Think of it this way: if everyone in the entire city of Louisville decided to go outside their houses
at the same time and scream at the top of their lungs, the sound would be so loud, you probably couldn’t
hear anything else. Now, if every now and again, a person thinks that throwing a piece of litter out of the
car window isn’t going to hurt, they are wrong. That is like saying when all the people go outside and
scream at the same time, no noise would be heard.
I honestly can admit that I used to be one of those people that believed that a little litter now and
then couldn’t possibly hurt anyone. However, my experiences in environmental education have changed
my views tremendously. There is no way for us to undo any damage that we do to the earth. Therefore, it
is our responsibility to make sure that we all are doing our part to keep the earth as clean and livable as
possible; not just for ourselves, but for the people living here now, and those who will live here in the future.
In conclusion, be sure that you are doing your part, if not for yourself,
then for your children and their children, grandparents, and brothers and sisters.
When you feel like you won’t have time to find a trash can to dispose of your litter
properly, just think about this question: Where will you live if the earth becomes so
polluted that it is unlivable? The answer is nowhere.
10

Liz Gramiak
Life as a Second-hand Smoker
I have been hurt by cigarette smoke my entire life. It has been something that I have had
to face every day. Yet, the interesting fact is that I have only ever smoked second-hand. I secondhand
smoke every time I walk behind a smoker, every time I walk past the smoking section to
get to the non-smoking section, every time somebody lights up a cigarette in my presence, every
time I leave a building and take a deep breath hoping for fresh air to fill my lungs instead of
gaseous nicotine and tar. Cigarette smoke has made me sick--physically, mentally, and
emotionally.
From a very young age I was aware of the dangerous effects of cigarettes. My parents
both smoked for much of their early adulthood. They started smoking as teenagers and continued
until I was born. Later they started smoking again, and didn’t stop until my little sister was born.
It was around this time that my mother received the worst news of her life. She was told that she
had breast cancer. Upon hearing this news, both of my parents quit smoking…for good.
Looking back on my childhood I recall many visits to the doctor for illnesses such as:
respiratory infections (bronchitis, and possible asthma), chronic ear infections (and ultimately
surgery to correct the problem), poor nutrition, cavities, and even a cigarette burn on my arm at
one time (caused by getting too close to Mommy while she was smoking). It was not until
recently that I discovered all of these to be effects of exposure to cigarette smoke. I have also
been physically affected by smoke as a teenager and as a young adult.
When I was in high school I was exposed to smoke by way of my friends (whose parents
smoked). I remember several birthday party sleepovers at my friends’ houses. Even though the
parties were a lot of fun, what I remember most is that their parents smoked. Every time I went
to one of these parties, I would leave the next day with a sore throat, itchy, red eyes, and a bad
headache.
Since I’ve been a college student I haven’t had to face smoking from parents; only
smoking from students. Thanks to these smokers I have difficulty breathing every now and then
(usually when someone blows smoke into my face), and I also get migraines (super headaches)
when I smell cigarette smoke. However, cigarette smoking makes me more than just physically
ill. It makes me mentally ill as well.
As a child I had a few attention and anxiety problems. I was a child my parents referred
11

Liz Gramiak
to as “fussy” and one that “could never sit still”. In school I was the same way. I had a hard time
focusing on schoolwork, and I acted before thinking about the consequences. I was also a very
shy child. I was always nervous and worried about almost everything. These symptoms are
related to exposure to cigarette smoke. So, sometimes I wonder if these problems may have been
caused by my being exposed to smoke. While cigarette smoke has made me sick physically and
mentally, it has hurt me the most emotionally.
I have lost two people to the effects of cigarettes. My mother’s father smoked most of his
life. He exposed his entire family to second-hand smoke. It may not have been known at the time
that cigarette smoke was dangerous, and that may be why he did not see the need to stop
smoking. Nonetheless, my Uncle Albert died as a young infant of SIDS (a phenomena called
sudden infant death syndrome). My mother suffered from a mild form of dyslexia (a learning
disorder where people mix up letters and numbers in their minds) while growing up. She later
was diagnosed with breast cancer. All of my aunts (as well as my mother) are now (or have
been) smokers themselves (one of which was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer, and one of
which has a heart problem). All of these problems may have been related to their exposure to
cigarette smoke.
Aside from the emotional pain caused by the many health problems of those whom I
love, I also suffer every day from cigarette smoke’s negative effects. One day I was waiting at a
stoplight while on my way home when I noticed a car pull up next to me. The driver and the
person in the passenger seat were both smoking cigarettes. They had their windows rolled up,
and smoke was everywhere in the car. A little baby was sitting in the back seat. All I could think
of was how awful a scene it was. That poor baby was being exposed to something that could
cause many problems later in life. It hurt my heart to think that he could be harmed by people
who were supposed to protect him. I see examples such as this one everywhere, and it always
hurts me to see it.
I am a second-hand smoker. Not by choice, but by the fact that I live under a cloud of
cigarette smoke. This thing which I can’t control has made me sick. It has hurt me physically by
giving me breathing problems. It has hurt me mentally by taking away my sense of control and
leaving me with panic and nervousness. Finally it has hurt me emotionally by hurting the people
I love, and by attacking those too innocent and weak to protect themselves.
12

Brian Durham
More Than Meets the Eye
Take care of the environment? Gee, that always made sense to me. After all, if we
use all our resources, trash our environment, and upset any of the infinite natural balances in
the world, we may very well endanger our own existence.
I have always been the first in line to carry items to first the recycling center, and
then to the bin on the curb. I chose to park my car for nearly seven years, preferring to walk,
to bike, or to take the bus or the train whenever I could. I reduced, reused, and recycled in
every aspect of my life. I was shocked to learn that some of my green choices may have
actually worsened the environment. Some choices I made seemed on the surface to better the
environment, while others actually consumed more energy and resources than I expected.
My intentions were in the right place, I think, but I never considered that there were better
ways.
For example, I love soda. Some people drink coffee, and some drink tea. Me? Give
me Big K Diet Cola with Lime or give me death! I felt good because I always drank from
cans that I recycled. I even carried them home from the schools where I teach so I would be
sure they would be recycled. How then, you ask, could recycling my soda cans be harmful?
Because I could so easily put them in a bin, put the bin on the corner, and pick up the empty
bin every Wednesday afternoon, I felt I was doing my part.
I had never considered how much energy it took to produce the can, transport the
finished product, transport the can for recycling, and finally to recycle it. Yes, everything we
consume goes through a cycle like this, but I soon realized that I was actually consuming
more because I could recycle! No, my cans did not go to the landfill or into my
environment, but think of the resources and energy required to feed my growing soda habit.
Though the aluminum and bauxite required to make the cans is saved by recycling,
enormous energy is required to melt them down and reconstitute them. Ultimately, less
energy is used than making a can from new.
What was different was me. Because I felt good about recycling, I bought more and
more aluminum cans. I knew they would be recycled. I did not consider that more cans—
recycled or not—meant more use of energy and resources, and therefore a much
greater effect on our environment. I never considered using a different type of container,
such as a reusable thermos.
13

Brian Durham
Similarly, riding the bus, my other big contribution to our environment, became a regular,
enormous waste of natural resources. I rode the bus on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On
Tuesday and Thursday, the bus was always full from the time I got on until nearly the end of the
line, where I got off. On Fridays, though, I was often the only person—other than the driver—to
ride the entire length of the line. It was fun having such a big, comfortable ride, but that ride got
5 miles to the gallon of diesel fuel for one person—me. My car gets nearly 40 miles to the gallon
of gasoline. Very quickly you can see my dilemma: should I ride a gas guzzling, polluting bus, or
drive my car, which uses less gas and pollutes less?
I am not suggesting that I or anyone else should not recycle, use mass transit, or keep an
eye on our environment. Instead, I want everyone to think about this: sometimes the actions with
the best intentions have consequences we do not immediately understand and may not even be
able to predict.
After realizing that I consumed more natural resources because recycling was so easy, I
considered other ways to get, store, and use the materials I had been recycling. I still like soda,
but buy it either in glass or plastic. Glass can be very easily recycled without using as much
energy as aluminum. Plastic is a little harder to justify, but one two-liter bottle holds as much as
eight cans of soda, and recycling plastic bottles takes less energy than recycling aluminum.
I have thought of no easy answer for the bus problem. I have decided to keep taking the
bus. Perhaps others will see how convenient it is for me and join me, and make the miles-pergallon-per-person
issue less of a problem. Besides, the bus runs whether or not I drive. If I drive,
I pollute less and consume less than the bus does, but I am still adding to the bus’ pollution, and
using resources, too. The perfect solution—walking or biking—simply is not realistic right now.
I am considering other alternatives, including working in a school nearer to my home, or moving
closer to work.
Please remember that everything we do has consequences, even good things. Recycling
certainly feels good. So too does using alternative transportation. Be sure, though, to consider
every alternative and the effects they might have. Sometimes doing a good thing is not the best
thing.
14

Transactive Writing:
Informational Writing, Feature Articles,
Brochures
Transactive writing is informative, persuasive or analytical writing that
presents ideas and information in letters, speeches, editorials, and articles for
an authentic audience.
Contents
Informational and Feature Articles:
Rain Gardens (feature article) Kristen Barnes page 16
Impervious Surfaces: What are They? (Informational) Aaron Olsen page 17
Disposal of Animal Wastes (Informational) Sarah Payne page 18
Brochure:
Exercise and Asthma Kelly Carter page 19
15

Rain Gardens: What, Why, and How?
Kristen Barnes
Why are rain gardens important? As impervious surfaces increase throughout many
neighborhoods, storm water runoff is becoming a growing problem. Pesticides and yard
waste, coupled with oil and gasoline from cars, are washed into storm drains. As pipes
reach capacity, contaminated water often ends up in local streams or rivers, where the
aforementioned chemicals are a big concern. Creating a rain garden can help relieve
several of these problems, lessening the amount of water flooding storm drains, as well as
filtering the run-off , decreasing pollution reaching streams by up to 30%.
What exactly is a rain garden? Many homeowner's can set aside areas of their lawns
for a rain garden, which is a garden designed to collect rainwater from gutters and
downspouts. An area of ground is dug out, which allows water to be absorbed into the
ground--instead of quickly running into storm drains. The plants used in rain gardens
have complex, deep root systems, which allow excess water to be both absorbed and
filtered by the plants. Grass possesses only a simple root system, therefore can't absorb
water from storm runoff.
How can I make my own rain garden?
When planning the location of your rain garden, you should consider how storm water
will be directed toward it. Downspouts should be easily accessible or directable to the
garden.
You must also consider the quality of the soil. It needs to allow the water to drain
properly, otherwise pooling will occur, likely leading to continued runoff and
flooding. Most gardens will be dug several inches deep, and drainage quality can be
tested by whether or not water can drain within a 24 hour period. If this isn't the case,
the soil at the bottom of the garden can be replaced with a mix of compost, sand, and
topsoil.
The plants used in your garden are your choice, but there are some general guidelines
that are helpful to follow. You should consider the location of your garden, and how
much sunlight it will receive daily. Some plants need direct sun to flourish, while
others prefer more shaded areas. Choosing local, native species is also helpful when
trying to establish your garden, as they will be in the proper climate, and will likely
possess the complex root systems necessary to properly filter rain water.
For Further Information on why and how rain gardens can help you, consult:
www.msdlouky.org -Louisville Metro Sewer District guideline for rain gardens
http://raingardens.org/docs/Create_A_Rain_Garden.pdf -A Michigan based
publication, with good general information on rain garden design and maintenance.
16

Aaron Olson
Impervious Surfaces: What are They?
A growing threat to water quality, not just in the Louisville area but nationwide, are impervious surfaces.
Impervious surfaces are any type of surface that prevents water from slowly draining into the soil. They can
include parking lots, roofs, driveways, streets, and even severely compacted soil which is usually the result of
human interference. The more impervious surfaces there are in a particular watershed, the more damage to the
water quality and streams in the area. These surfaces lead to increased erosion, flooding, sediment in the water,
as well as fewer habitats for organisms of all sizes.
When water slowly enters the soil, a process called
infiltration, the groundwater supply is replenished, plants and soil filter out pollutants, and the water slowly
moves to the larger bodies of water. However, when water lands on impervious surfaces, it has no where to go
and is often directed to drains which channel the water directly into local streams or rivers. While this process
may be desirable to humans using the parking lots or driveways, it is utterly destructive to the streams and creeks
of the city. All the water rushing into the streams causes rapid flooding and also washes into the water
everything sitting on the sidewalk or other impervious surface, including trash and harmful chemicals that have
not been disposed of properly. Another negative impact from this rapid runoff is erosion of the creek bed and
riparian area. The erosion causes more sediment to travel downstream, damaging habitats and water quality
miles away. Recreational interest in the streams decreases due to erosion and the chemicals polluting the water,
not just killing off the wildlife but potentially harming humans as well.
A good start to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces is to make changes in the planning stages of
development. Concrete or asphalt can be replaced with a more porous type of material or water could be
channeled to an area of vegetation instead of into storm drains. Large changes will have to occur in the
Louisville area in order to fix the damage already done by impervious surfaces and to prevent the damage from
getting worse. It is important to remember that changes not only benefit local communities, but also
communities located downstream. Only through a cooperative effort between the cities and communities in a
watershed can this problem be fixed before the damage done to streams and rivers becomes irreversible.
17

Disposal of Animal Waste
Sarah Payne
Home of the Innocents is a children’s village which gives medical aid, counseling and shelter
for young people who are in need. While this institution was newly built in 2003, the land that it rests
on has a long and interesting history. What is now the Joan E. Thomas children’s village used to be
the Bourbon Stockyards. Butchertown, the area surrounding the stockyards, has been linked with the
meat industry since the 1830s. Due to Louisville’s location on the Ohio River, the city was a good
spot to slaughter animals and ship the meat downriver to reach markets in the South. In 1834 a hotel
for farmers known as the Bourbon House became the center of the meat industry. A stockyard was
constructed in 1864 at Main and Johnson streets. Eleven years later it became a corporation called the
Bourbon Stock Yard Company.
Lasting from 1864 to 1999, the Bourbon Stockyards was the oldest constantly operating
stockyard in the United States. Early in its business, the Bourbon Stockyard created serious
environmental dangers in Louisville. Beargrass Creek was a convenient place to dump waste from the
stockyard and the butchers. All of the unwanted parts of the slaughtered animals, such as guts, hides,
blood and hooves were disposed of in Beargrass Creek. This was convenient for soap and candle
makers who could scrape fat off the banks of the creek in order to make their products. However, it
posed a serious environmental hazard to the city. Animal parts would enter the Ohio River from the
creek at 2 nd Street and would wash downtown. They would then get stuck on rocks and rot. The smell
from the rotting entrails was so overpowering that eventually something had to be done. Instead of
outlawing the disposal of waste into the water, town leaders chose to move Beargrass Creek so that it
flowed into the Ohio River north of the city.
Though such waste disposal practices are now forbidden, the Beargrass Creek is still polluted
with nearly every water quality problem that can be imagined. In fact, none of the bodies of water in
Kentucky are safe for body contact. Much progress still needs to be made in order for our waters to be
environmentally safe. In the future, we may see our environmental practices as revolting as we now
view the disposal of animal waste into creeks and rivers.
18

Transactive: Persuasive Writing
Transactive writing is informative, persuasive or analytical writing that
presents ideas and information in letters, speeches, editorials, and articles for
an authentic audience. Persuasive writing, specifically, uses strategies to
sway the reader to his/her viewpoint through a statement of benefits,
identification of good reasons, and addressing problems as well as offering
solutions.
Contents
Mining Proposal David Soleimani-Meigooni page 22
Native Species Letter David Soleimani-Meigooni page 23
Farming v. Fishing Kim Nelson page 24
Air Pollution Letter Jalaine Polk page 25
21

David Soleimani-Meigooni
Mining Proposal
Recently a Bush administration backed proposal, creating clearer standards for mining
operations, is under review at the U.S. Office of Surface Mining. Although the proposal is
presented under the guise of streamlining mining laws, it manages to relax 20-year-old
restrictions that prevent mining activities near waterways.
Current laws disallow the disturbance of land within 100 feet of a waterway, unless the
company carrying-out the mining activity has clear and convincing evidence that their activities
will not affect water quality and quantity. The Bush proposal would effectively erase the
aforementioned law, allowing mining and waste disposal from mining activities to be performed
adjacent to our streams, rivers, and lakes.
Our natural water sources are life-sustaining. Why should we allow mining companies to
stick their waste rock, containing sulfides and heavy metals, right beside open, unprotected
water? Sulfides react with atmospheric moisture and oxygen to form sulfuric acid, which leaches
into our water supply. Furthermore, these acids increase the mobility of the heavy metals in
mining waste, thereby concentrating metals in our water. Yum—chemical waste in my
community’s drinking water and the water that supports the plant and animal life of the stream.
Other than the effect of the chemicals, we should also consider the effect of sediments.
Sediment runoff from mining waste fills the niches available for sustaining a wide variety of
aquatic life and makes breathing quite difficult for these organisms.
Clearly, these bureaucrats in Washington either have not thought of the full scope of their
actions or they genuinely do not care about turning our waterways into the equivalent of an open
sewer, unfit for any purpose other than transporting waste. After all, these politicians don’t live
in coal mining country and will never have to directly encounter this problem. Nonetheless, it is
unacceptable for them to have the willingness to sacrifice life—something I thought that the
President and his administration held sacred—for the purpose of economic health and cheap
energy. We must voice our concern immediately. Call and write our congress representatives to
implore them to fight for the health of our waterways by promoting the enforcement of the
present mining standards.
22

David Soleimani-Meigooni
Native Species Letter
October 22, 2007
Dear Riverview Neighborhood Association Members:
As I was driving to work, I passed by the new landscaping and gardening project that is
underway as part of our community beautification plan. I was particularly dismayed to find that
Crown Vetch plants were considered for this project. Crown Vetch is a plant species that is nonnative
to Kentucky and has been shown to grow invasively in numerous communities within the state. In
fact, the Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council deemed Crown Vetch as the “least wanted” plant species
for the year 2003.
Crown Vetch grows aggressively because of its reproductive mechanism that uses both the
vegetative distribution of offspring via creeping underground roots and the prolific distribution of
seeds. Since the plant is nonnative, it has no natural consumers; therefore, without mechanical (i.e.
pulling or mowing plants) or herbicidal maintenance techniques, the unchecked growth would result
in significant spread of the plant through our community.
Other Kentucky communities have documented that the uncontrolled spread of Crown Vetch
excludes naturally growing plant species by covering and shading them. Additionally, there have been
instances where Crown Vetch has killed small trees and shrubs by growing over them. Quite simply,
this invasive species outcompetes native plants that have controlled growth (i.e. limited by established
natural predators and relatively low reproduction). Additionally, the destruction of our native plants
removes primary sources of food for native wild animals, ultimately resulting in the collapse of the
wildlife that we enjoy around our community. How would you like to wake-up to a front yard full of
Crown Vetch, noticing the absence of morning tweeting because all of the birds moved to a place with
an adequate supply of native plants?
It is in the best interest of our community to preserve our native plant species and wildlife.
Thus, we must either replace the Crown Vetch with native Kentucky plants or allocate new funds for
regular herbicidal or mechanical control of Crown Vetch.
Respectfully,
Jack Smith
23

Farming v. Fishing? Is One Industry Literally Killing the Other?
By Kim Nelson
In order to produce more and better crops, farmers around the world have been using
fertilizers since ancient times. Modern fertilizers contain the nutrients Potassium and Nitrogen,
which help plants grow healthy and strong, producing more food than the same plants would
without such fertilizers. Unfortunately, if these fertilizers are over applied, or are applied
immediately prior to rainfall, many of the nutrients end up in our streams and rivers from
rainwater runoff instead of staying on the field. Even when correctly applied, some of the
nutrients find their way to our water.
This is unfortunate because the nutrients are good for plants, not fish. Even though fish
feed on plants, there is such a thing as too much. Algae is at the bottom of many aquatic food
chains, but when an algae bloom covers the top of an entire lake or slow moving stream, fish
cannot get the oxygen they need and the algae blocks out the sun, making the water colder than
the fish can handle. Occasionally such overloading of nutrients and algae blooms can cause fish
kills, where the poor conditions last so long the fish cannot live through them.
Jefferson County has done, and is doing, a lot to reduce the amount of excess nutrients
entering our water. Currently the county is working on redirecting the Combined Sewage
Overflows, which occur when a lot of rainwater overflows our sewage system to the point where
some of the rainwater and raw sewage flows out into our streams, eventually leading to the Ohio
River. However, we are only a small part of the water going into the Ohio River, and the Ohio
runs into the Mississippi River along with rivers from other parts of the United States. Where
the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico, there is a dead zone where fish cannot
survive. Though overloading of nutrients is not the only problem in the Gulf of Mexico, and we
are not the only area contributing to this water pollution, there are things we can each do to help
the fish in the Gulf, where fishing is a major industry for local people.
If everybody, farmers or just people with a garden or yard full of grass, follows
instructions for the amount of fertilizer to apply for their circumstances, and only use it as often
as recommended, this would reduce the amount of excess nutrients available to run off into our
streams and lakes. Fertilizer companies do extensive testing to ensure their recommendations
allow for best use of their product, so there is no need to apply more or more often than the
packaging directs. Though this may not seem like much when each person changes their routine
just a little bit, the combined efforts of everybody involved can make a big difference.
Somebody needs to set the example for others to follow, and that somebody can be us in
Jefferson and surrounding, more agricultural, counties in Kentucky. If others living along the
Mississippi River or its tributaries do the same, the dead zone will shrink, allowing fish to move
back in while not affecting farming or people's green lawns negatively.
Helping to alleviate the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is only one example of how
small changes in everyday life for each of us can add up to big results. Simple things like
recycling the daily newspaper, turning off the lights when leaving home, or doing laundry only
when a full load is needed, can make a noticeable difference if everybody puts forth the effort.
24

Jalaine Polk
117 Quality Street
Louisville, KY 40217
November 3, 2007
John Doe
Executive Director
Belle Power Plant
401 Dark Road
Louisville, KY 40216
Dear John Doe:
I am writing to express my concern about the release of harmful nitrogen oxides 1 from
your power plant. According to the Clean Air Act, the Belle Power plant does not meet
the air quality standards. Your plant is estimated to release .44 pounds of nitrogen oxides,
yet the air quality standards allow for only .15 pounds.
This emission of destructive pollutants is unacceptable. As a citizen of the city of
Louisville, I urge you to install the catalytic converters to reduce your nitrogen oxide
emission and meet the required level. A healthy environment is essential to leading a
healthy life. We cannot maintain a healthy environment without the reduction of hurtful
air pollutants.
While I am merely a citizen, requesting action from your power plant, I will not stop at a
simple letter. The committee for the Clean Air Act will be notified, as well as the
community of Louisville. I firmly request that you comply with these standards before
the city of Louisville's air quality is harmed to a greater extent.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jalaine Polk
1 Nitrogen Oxide: A mixture of gases composed of nitrogen and oxygen. Exposure to nitrogen oxides can
cause irritation to your body, damage to your airways, burns, swelling, fluid in your lungs, and even death.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. www.atsdr.cdc.gov
25

Literary Writing:
Short Stories, Monologues, and Plays
A short story is a writing piece that has the following elements: character(s),
setting, and a plot with a problem and a solution.
A monologue portrays a moment in time in which one character reveals
his/her personality and feelings through spoken words, gestures, and/or
movements as he/she deals with a conflict or issue.
A play is a fictional piece that incorporates elements of a short story and
monologue, using dialogue to move the plot from the problem to a solution.
Contents
Saving Public Parks (Story) Cory Child page 27
Learning Consequences (Play) Kristen Barnes page 29
Environmental Hazards (Monologue) Sarah Payne page 31
26

Cory Child
Urban Water
Saving Public Parks
Walking up the jogging path, Barry turned back too watch the houses and the far-off skyscrapers
disappear behind the horizon. Each time he begins his jog through Cherokee Park, Barry smiles with the
sense of natural enjoyment for escaping the urban again. Barry set off at his regular pace, passing by
fellow joggers, smelling the local wildflowers and trees, and hearing the periodic car, reminding the
nature-goers that concrete and steel waits beyond the 409 acres of forest.
As Barry makes it to the top of scenic hill, he notices a large group of men and women gathered
together, holding a wide range of tools, from plastic bags to chainsaws. The crowd looked agitated and
tense, wary of some unknown fear. Approaching, Barry overhears a few broken, hushed, conversations.
“ – infiltrating the valley.”
“ – horrible! The heart of a vicious creature, hidden behind such pleasant looks -”
“ – eradication, as much as possible – .”
The head of the group, which by now seemed more like an army brigade, was getting nearer.
Barry could see the leaders, clothed in heavy stitched uniforms. One held a fearsome, shrub chainsaw.
Another of the leaders caught sight of Barry approaching and motioned for some guardsmen to direct him
to the front of the throng.
“Name and rank, boy!” The mustachioed man demanded.
“Uh, Barry, sir…and I’m a high school jogger…” Barry replied, perplexed
“We are in sort of a pickle, Barry. An introduced, non-native species of plants, an invasive brush
probably know to you as Japanese honeysuckle is choking out and eradicating all our local plant life.
Every year we wage battle against it, only to find fresh set of reinforcements lying in wait beneath the
canopy of oaks and ash. We can’t keep playing give and take. We must take the battle to it and eliminate
the threat to our natural ecosystem.”
“And how do I come in?”
27

Cory Child
Urban Water
“As you can see, we are striking a fast, hard and decisive attack to clear out as much as the Japanese
honeysuckle as possible. We need all the hands we can must. Will you volunteer and swell our ranks?”
“Of course! I visit Cherokee Park, often, and I will help keep it natural, sir!”
A troop leader fell in beside Barry, leading him to an open stop in the lines of volunteers. They
equipped him with the proper tools, a trash bag, gloves, and a can of greenish liquid, from which
emanated an acrid, chemical smell. After a few moments, the leaders called out orders and divided the
honeysuckle elimination forces into different teams.
“Can I have a chainsaw? What is this stuff? And how did all this Japanese honeysuckle get to
overrun everything else?” Barry asked rapidly to the woman marching beside him.
“Nope, the cutters are reserved for the trained forces. The green stuff in your hand is a dyed
glyphosate and water mixture. It’s an herbicide.” The woman lowered her voice. “Once the elites mow
down the enemy near their bases, we come up and lather some of that herbicide, keeping it from
regrouping. As for where it came from, the Japanese name gives that former location, but it was brought
over here in the early 1800’s, providing green leaves all year long, sweet aromas, and tasty nectar.
Japanese honeysuckle does not have any natural predators here – no herbivore eats it quickly enough -
and it thrives, killing the native brush and girdling trees. There are hundreds of different invasive plants
and animals threatening not only our ecosystems but our economic society as well. Fortunately though,”
said the woman, smiling with a determined expression, “the Metro Park Service here and in other cities
organize to protect natural parks and woodlands.”
Both Barry and the woman shared a silence, broken only by the buzz of chainsaws and the crash
of the invasive plants. Barry knew as he spread some herbicide over the remains of a fallen trunk that
today was going to be a very long, very green day.
28

A One-Act Play: Learning Consequences
Kristen Barnes
Cast of Characters:
Evan: a young teenager, very determined to ignore authority. He is dressed like a
typical youth, with a backwards-facing ball cap.
Jared: Evan's more civic minded friend, he is dressed similarly, but with no hat. Jared
is the voice of reason.
Vender: wears an apron
In the opening, the stage is set rather elaborately; stage left features a working gas
pump, with a car painted on scenery in the background. Stage right is a bench with a
trash can nearby. Center stage is a cart, like where a vendor would sell food. Down stage
just left of center are two short stools, which do not block sight lines for center or right
stage.
Up stage, where the three vignettes will take place is shrouded in darkness. In the
beginning, Jared is sitting alone on a stool, lost in thought. The lights come on stage left,
where Evan pantomimes putting gas in the painted car.
[Sound cue] a click is heard
Evan continues pumping, until liquid spills across the stage.
Evan jumps in surprise, mutters then turns to replace the pump.
Jared is seen shaking his head, as lights fade to black.
Lights come up stage right, where Evan and Jared sit side by side on the bench, both
eating sandwiches and bags of chips.
Evan: That test last week sure was killer.
Jared: I know; I studied for hours but didn't know like half the questions. So what are you
doing this afternoon?
Evan: I don't know. Probably going to the mall and getting some coffee. What about you?
Jared: I have to go to work, but have fun!
Jared crosses Evan, placing his chip bag, sandwich wrapper, and gum wrapper in the
garbage can. Evan stands to follow Jared off stage, letting his trash fall from his lap to
the ground. Fade to black
The lights come up with Jared sitting on a stool, his back to the audience, observing Evan
up stage center. Evan stands at a kiosk, drinking coffee in a Styrofoam cup.
Evan: (to vender) Can I get a refill? I'd like a new cup though. This one has cold coffee in
it. And a new insulator. My hand got too hot with this one. And a new stirring straw.
Those are cool.
The vender shrugs, while Jared turns his back on the scene. Fade to black.
29

The Lights come up with Evan and Jared sitting on the stools, down stage center. Jared looks
pensive.
Evan: What's up? You look stressed.
Jared: Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something. It's kind of important.
Evan: Oh, well if it's important, (he smirks)
Jared: Seriously…like, I've seen you around town, and I think maybe you don't realize how your
actions are impacting those around you.
Evan: What are you talking about?
Jared: Like the other day, when we had lunch together. Instead of throwing your trash in the can,
you just let it fall to the ground.
Evan: So?
Jared: So, litter is an important source of non-point pollution that makes its way into local
streams and creeks. We learned in class that it can be harmful to water quality, as well as aquatic
plants and animals.
Evan: Huh. I didn't know that.
Jared: Well it's true. And at the coffee kiosk the other day--instead of reusing the same cup, you
got a whole new one. That's the same principle, it leads to more waste than is necessary, plus
plastic straws and Styrofoam cups aren't biodegradable like paper, so can negatively impact both
land and water.
Evan: I thought you were working that day…
Jared: Evan, this is important. What about that time you topped off the gas tank, and all that
gasoline spilled onto the ground? That can easily be carried to storm drains or ground water,
which leads to pollution and poor water quality. No body wants that.
Evan: I think I'm starting to see your point. Maybe I should start paying more attention to what
I'm doing. The waste I produce has an effect on people besides me, and pollution can come in
many forms. Water is a precious resource that I shouldn't take for granted…
Jared: That's right!
Evan: Thanks Jared. I'm glad we talked.
Fade to black
30

Sarah Payne
Environmental Hazards Monologue
Scene: Addison, a student at the University of Louisville, has been called to sit at a table at the front of
the room. The room is mid-sized and seats 150 people in the audience. Facing her are seven members of
the Jefferson County Public School Board Members. She has three minutes to convince the board why
environmental awareness is important to develop in schools.
“I could sit up here and regal you with numbers and statistics that show how harmful environmental
hazards can be. For instance, Rubbertown plants release over three million pounds of air toxins per year,
and no stream in Jefferson County meets primary body contact standards. However, these are just
numbers and facts, and while they are disturbing, it is the true stories of people in Louisville that reach the
heart of the matter.”
Addison reaches behind her and presents to the board a picture of a child proudly holding up a fishing
pole with a fish hooked on the line.
Addison: “This is Kenny, a six year old boy whose favorite hobby is fishing. Kenny was admitted to the
hospital because he reported feeling pins and needles in his hands and feet, as well as skin rashes and
occasional memory loss. He spent several weeks in the hospital before the link was made between
Kenny’s fishing and his sickness. Most often, after Kenny would go fishing at various Kentucky waters,
his family would eat the fish for supper. They did not realize that only one Kentucky fish should be eaten
per month due to mercury content in the fish. Kenny’s developing body was being poisoned by the
mercury in the fish he was eating. He was a very sick boy for quite some time until the toxin could be
purged from his system.”
Addison pulls out another picture of a couple standing in front of a house.
Addison: “This is Roger and Mary who lived in the part of Louisville known as Rubbertown. Roger had
worked at one of the Rubbertown plants since 1950 and the couple had lived there throughout their entire
married life. Plants in this area of Louisville release millions of pounds of air toxics annually, posing
potential health risks. Roger died of cancer at the relatively young age of fifty-five, leaving Mary a
widow in their Rubbertown house. Mary is convinced that the pollution of Rubbertown was the cause of
her husband’s cancer. She has made her yard available for air monitoring equipment in order to aid in
gathering more information on the air pollution around the plants.
These are just a few tragic stories of real people living in your own community. People need to be made
aware of the environmental hazards of the county that they live in and how it can affect their own lives.
Awareness can start in JCPS schools. Teach your students to be environmentally friendly and to fight for
their right to a clean and healthy world. Thank you for your time.”
With her closing statement, Addison gathers her material, rises and exits the room through the back door.
31

Literary Writing:
Poetry
Poetry is literary writing that: creates an image, captures a
moment, recreates a feeling, shows an extraordinary perception of
something ordinary, tells a story, or conveys a message.
Contents
The Change of “My Roots” Laura Bergant page 33
The Oak Tree Diana Neamtu page 34
Beargrass Creek Greta Landenwich page 34
Fall in the City Colleen Halloran page 35
Recycle Amy Kuhn page 36
A Revolting Reality Liz Gramiak page 36
32

The Change of “My Roots”
I am this landscape, the land where you live, soil and dirt.
I’m hill and river; bearer of plant roots, shelter of life.
I want you to know, my great tale of change, transformation.
How I became as, the home that you know, your America.
Hundreds of years back, I gained new species, known well to you.
I am saying gain, because they weren’t here, not to be seen.
They were brought by boats, those that brought white men, Europeans.
These people settled, and so did their beasts, both large and small.
The settlers didn’t know, nor understand me, and they struggled.
So they molded me, changed my makeup, I was altered.
They brought their livestock, their beasts of burden, to graze my grass.
Brought were cows and pigs, the horses and sheep, goats and chickens.
Domestic species, these I’m speaking of, so new and strange.
Also brought were gardens, their fruits and flowers, and many foods.
I had no peaches, growing in Georgia, no wild type trees.
I had no oranges, no orchards of orange, no Florida’s best.
No dandelions: that small yellow weed, bright in summer.
Wheat fields filled me up; rice embedded me, from north to south.
They brought insects here, invading creatures, making me home.
The fruits could flourish, thanks to honeybees, pollinators.
The boats brought soil, European dirt, to mix with me.
The newest creature, slimy writhing thing, was the earthworm.
These worms were the worst; they changed my soil, my forest land.
They eat my foliage, making my trees starve, my shrubs shrivel.
Like a brute sculptor, pressing his thumbs in, digging deeper.
He pressed my cheeks, my mountain shoulders, and my cave feet.
Cutting species out, from the swampy vines, of my long hair,
I changed forever; my billion-year self, became Europe!
33

Diana Neamtu
The Oak Tree
A tall oak tree outside the door,
Watches stoically as students pass,
No one stops to admire it anymore,
They run to work, or friends or class.
It stands silently and respires
Purifying the air we need.
Until the day when it expires,
It does this constant, altruistic deed.
But the Earth itself is slowly heating,
As burned fossil fuels destroy its shell.
A clear, clean future now seems fleeting,
This pollution cannot be easy to dispel.
Lakes and rivers are damaged, too.
Filled to capacity with infiltrates,
This natural abuse should be taboo,
Who knows what our habit creates?
Time passes and things change,
No one cares for nature, just as before,
The concrete world feels strange,
The tall oak tree is outside no more.
Greta Landenwich
Beargrass Creek
What a strange new landscape.
Floating bottles congregate in spiraling
islands,
perhaps plotting their next assault
against
the already ravaged land.
What a strange new landscape.
Vehicles, magnets, batteries,
remnants of urban warfare,
bury themselves deep in her muddy
bosom.
Clothing and shredded plastic bags drip
from the spindly fingers of trees
forming stalagmites in the reflection
of the murky water.
Few creatures swim, or breathe, or play,
except leeches, hunting and left hungry.
Ghostly clouds of sediment float,
attempting to escape,
but redeposit, defeated, on Beargrass'
bed.
What a strange new landscape.
The stench rises, thick
and choking.
34

Colleen Halloran
Fall in the City
I look up in the sky
Hoping for just reds and yellows
But my hopes are too high,
I’m disappointed, my fellows
Leaves and paper bags,
Are decorating the trees
They’re caught in the wind
I breathe in the air
Hoping it’s crisp
As the child next to me
Coughs and sniffs
Reaching in his pocket,
He pulls out a device
Our children: poisoned
They used to just get lice
Catching debris
I look to those children
I look to the ground
Wanting to crunch
Those leaves under my feet:
A sound I love so much
But leaves lay in the grass
Next to wrappers from food
And I sadly look onward
And see such a glimmer
There’s hope in them,
When it used to just get dimmer
Our bodies, our earths
They’re all here together
So let’s protect our mother
With the changing weather
Trying to lighten my mood
Pick up our litter
I look to the water
At the great river bank
It’s murky, it’s muddy
It’s bleak, it’s dank
Unmentionables float
And catch on driftwood
Floating away
And help make a start
Hurry up with the cause
Instead of being a fart
The grays and blacks
Won’t simply disappear
Gather friends and help
So we don’t live in fear
But not where it should
35

Recycle
- Amy Kuhn
Empty,
Sort,
Stack.
Take
To the
Bins
Clink.
Clank.
Clunk.
In
Went
My cans
Plink.
Plank.
Plunk
In
Went
My bottles.
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle.
A Revolting Reality
Liz Gramiak
The sun is shining brightly.
The sparrows singing songs.
Breathe in and smell
the stench 1 of cigarette smoke.
The streets are filled
with cigarette stubs.
They burn and bother
My luxurious lungs.
Smoke clouds my mind
and haunts my heart.
It poisons precious progeny 2 .
It destroys dreams.
Sinful are cigarettes.
They shorten the span of life.
This is not a nauseating 3 nightmare.
It is a revolting 4 reality.
1 horrible smell: a really disgusting smell, especially a
strong lingering one
2 offspring of organism: an offspring of a person,
animal, or plant
3 disgusting: deeply disgusting
4 provoking disgust: arousing feelings of disgust,
nausea, or repulsion
36