Franklin College - Switzerland

Franklin Students Protect Their Neighborhood Environment

11/30/2007

Students reunite with Pro Natura Ticino for the cleanup of the Laghetto di Muzzano.

On Saturday, November 17, over 20 Franklin student volunteers helped clean up and restore natural habitats surrounding the Laghetto di Muzzano. Professor Brack Hale, assistant professor of Biology and Environmental Science, in collaboration with Pro Natura Ticino, a Swiss ecological protection organization, led the student efforts. The goal of their work was to rid the hedge and forest habitat surrounding the lake of invasive species such as the palm tree from China and the black cherry tree from North America. The proliferation of these species is usually due to the use of non-native species in landscaping of residential areas. After the removal of these species, the students and the other volunteers planted native species in areas they had cleared.

This is the second time this year that Franklin students have assisted Pro Natura with a major cleanup effort around the Laghetto. Both the students and representatives of Pro Natura see it as a healthy beginning to a tradition that needs to continue. With their work, considered useful as well as fun, students feel more a part of the community. Professor Hale thinks that the Laghetto di Muzzano has a lot of potential and he, “hopes Franklin volunteers continue assisting Pro Natura with its efforts to maintain the lake’s ecosystem and eventual restoration.”

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