With shovels in hand and a shared sense of purpose, students from Jimmy Carter Early College High School’s Environmental Awareness Club (EAC) recently took part in a garden restoration project at the National Butterfly Center, clearing out invasive weeds to make way for native plants that are critical to butterfly migration.
Sponsored by science teacher Arlette Calderon, the effort drew nearly 20 student volunteers, who spent the day removing overgrowth and learning about native ecology along the center’s winding trails.
Kaylee Cantu described the event as “amazing,” noting that the hands-on experience allowed her to engage with nature in a new way. “Not only did I have the opportunity to care for nature, but I also learned a lot,” she said. “I saw birds I’d never seen before and butterflies swarming all around.”
Senior Gabriella Gomez said the timing of the effort was key, with the local butterfly season coming to a close. “We were cleaning out harmful weeds that could hurt the food sources butterflies rely on,” she said. “It’s also important because a festival will be held here soon, and the area needs to be ready for visitors.”
Beyond its environmental goals, the project provided a moment of calm and connection for the student volunteers. “It helped me relieve stress,” Cantu said. “It took my mind off of school and college applications. We transformed a space full of weeds into something beautiful.”
The event also underscored the club’s broader mission to inspire environmental stewardship in the community. “We only have one Earth, so it should be taken care of,” Cantu added.
Gomez echoed that sentiment, encouraging others to get involved. “Joining the Environmental Awareness Club is a great way to give back to the community and become more informed,” she said. “Even if you don’t use all the information, it’s still good to be aware.”
The student volunteers included Isidro Portales, Karyme Segura, Jaime Ramirez, Zomari Chapa, Brianna Marquez, Alejandra Cantu, Arleth Tellez, Nylin Alonzo, Natalie Ponce, Aaliyah Suarez, Nelly Contreras, Miranda Salas, Axel Ledezma, Gabriella Gomez, Estrella Cabrera, Kaylee Cantu, Iker Rodriguez, and Ms. Calderon.
