The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District participated in Environmental Day, an annual event held at Elizabeth, New Jersey aimed at educating local students about the environment. On a perfect weather day for an outdoor classroom environment, the event was held April 24th adjacent to the Elizabeth Marina dock on the shore of the Arthur Kill Channel.
Approximately 200 students from local schools arrived by the bus load and spent the day interacting with the Army Corps and its partnering agencies and organizations, with the support of Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage, staff from the offices of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, U.S. Representative Albio Sires and Future City Inc., the event sponsor.
The event generated awareness and provided information about the value of the environment, long term sustainability of the planet, and its current environmental status.
The Army Corps strives to educate and serve the local community and to promote interaction between students at events such as Environmental Day. Students took advantage of an opportunity to learn about the field of engineering through the Army Corps’ informative exhibits which showcased its regional initiatives to improve the environment, port mission and roles in the Harbor.
Remarks at the opening ceremony were made by Joseph Seebode, environmental engineer, and the Army Corps’ New York District Deputy Engineer who also spoke with students about being good stewards of the environment and the importance of science, technology and engineering.
“As the nation’s environmental engineers, the Army Corps of Engineers works in close collaboration and partnership with others to bring about improvements to our economy, public safety and environment,” said Seebode.
Students were provided literature which contained information about the dredging program and how dredged material is economically and environmentally used. Discussed was the importance of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, removing floating debris from adjacent waters and building wetlands.
Students left with an appreciation of the value of the environment and its importance to the quality of life and the long term sustainability of the planet.
“Environmental educational workshops like Environmental Day and Estuary Day are tangible manifestations of a year round commitment to environmental education and stewardship within our watershed school consortia,” said Michelle Doran McBean, CEO of Future City Inc.