Nearly 100 employees from EPA’s joined and other organizations acted as substitute environmental science teachers at the Beverly Hills Middle School in Upper Darby, Pa., to celebrate Earth Day 2007.

The 1,500 students in grades six, seven and eight learned about radiation, lead poisoning, wetlands, recycling, climate change, and ozone, as well as careers in science and the environment.

In addition to EPA, employees from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forestry, Upper Darby Police Department, Upper Darby Fire Department and volunteers from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Delaware County joined in teaching 62 classes at the middle school.

A highlight of the day was the ribbon-cutting of the 14’x14’ restored and refurbished greenhouse or botany lab, which had most recently been used for storage. EPA and collaborating organizations provided lighting, heating, water, seed trays, seeds, and plantings. VISTA volunteers worked with local retailers to help provide donated materials.

“This is an outstanding environmental education effort,” EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh said of the 2007 Earth Day project. “Students at Beverly Hills Middle School have gotten an excellent foundation in protecting the environment, and the restored botany lab will help them develop a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet. All of our volunteers deserve to be congratulated for all their hard work.”

Teachers will use the restored greenhouse as a living classroom and will learn how to care for the plants, which will include basil, dill, sunflowers, marigolds and bush beans.

4/20/2007