St. Therese's 12 desciples: Christine Dang, Valeria Cardenas, Sean Dowling, Geoff Supplee, Mark McHoruey, Jennie Klotz, Norma Davenport, Melody Van Tassell, Ashley Warren, Kaitlyn Gomez, Darcy Van Mouwerik, Molly Minney.
Eager to work and learn, they wasted no time in getting started. Piles of invasive species were pulled from the roots. Within an hour, I was shocked at the transformation of the site. Native species of the region seemed radiant with the removal of all the dry brush.
Park Ranger John Barone was thrilled to see such a turnout. He said that the work done this day gave the young native plants a better fighting chance at survival. Barone pointed out to everyone where native plants of the region are already propagating on their own.
Plant identification: Ranger Barone educates on the native species of the Otay Valley Regional Park.
Clean-up: Darcy Van Mouwerik, 16, moves piles of dry brush after spending an hour pulling out the invasive weeds.
Westfall, working with the group all week on several projects said the group’s work all week on several projects was inspiring and in the short time that I spent with them, I see why. Their enthusiasm and work ethics were clearly demonstrated, setting an example that they can carry with them and spread to all they come in contact with.
Always a teacher: Katie Westfall speaks to the group concerning the work of the day.
No easy work: Valeria Cardenas, 17, works meticulously to remove dry weeds, still protecting young plants.
Teamwork: Darcy Van Mouwerik, 16, Molly Minney,17, and youth group leader Sean Dowling,20, begin bagging piles of pulled weeds.
When the morning work was completed, they wanted to know what more they could do. On their own, they took trash bags and walked around Fenton Pond, picking up trash. This program needs more volunteers like this for the restoration program to grow.
Kaitlyn Gomez, 16
Geoff Supplee, 17
St. Therese “the little flower” is one of the greatest saints of the 20th century. “My way is all confidence and love. What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love,” she wrote. “I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.”
Witnessing the deeds of this group, I believe St. Therese showered these youth with her blessing of roses.
Group leader Sean Dowling leads by expample.
Laughing through a morning of hard work.
Looking for more work the youth group hits the trail around Fenton Pond to pick up trash.
Photo credits/Albert Fulcher
No comments:
Post a Comment