A trio from the Bridgeport, Clarksburg area have been working hard to spread environmental awareness to the region. Douglas Soule, a graduate of Bridgeport High now enrolled at West Virginia University, Nate Madden, a junior at Bridgeport, and Gabriel Johnson, a junior at Notre Dame High have joined forces in collaboration with the Key Club and Waste Management to construct a compost station in the heart of Harrison County. Their leadership in their respective high school Key Clubs and a grant from Waste Management have provided the opportunities for this venture to eventually become a reality.

               

Nate had been pushing for a conservation project for some time. “Last year, I wanted to build a greenhouse. I thought that it would be a great idea to have one because I felt it would be an educational experience for both myself and members of all ages in the community. When researching into the financial aspect of it, I discovered that a greenhouse was not exactly feasible at this time. Then when talking to Doug and Gabe at the West Virginia District Key Club Convention, we brainstormed an alternative---a compost station? Then we got to talking to Waste Management and that led to us being awarded the Think Green Grant for $3,500. We will be keeping two-thirds of the grant, while another third will be provided for The Power of Produce Stand at the Bridgeport Farmer’s Market,” said Nate.

               

The grant was a big deal for everyone involved, “Though a lot of the work was divided evenly between us, a lot of what I have been doing has been the financial aspect of this endeavor. I was thrilled once we received the news that we were getting the grant. I have not always been one that was environmentally active per se. I never understood how important it was until I took a National Geographic Trip to India where we were constantly being advised not to use plastic straws for our drinks. Then, hearing that they were one of the top ten worldwide polluters, everything really started to sink in. I have tried to be more informed since,” said Gabriel.

               

The group of students are beginning to lay out their game plan, “We should be getting the funds in a month. Our plan is to make 3x3x3 wooden boxes, and then we would wrap chicken wire around the side, put all the compost ingredients in there, and let it sit until it was ready. Our station like all compost stations will aim to provide organic, fertile soil by recycling waste products. We hope to seal a deal here soon with Genesis Land so that we can have the property for this to be setup out towards Charles Point. Right now, we are waiting to physically obtain the grant, and then we will wait to begin construction until closer to Compost Season, in the spring,” said Nate.

               

“While a lot of the work has been steady for now, we will need plenty of assistance when spring comes. For those who are interested, please come and participate in Key Club meetings at Bridgeport and Notre Dame,” continued Nate.

 

The trio also works every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2. p.m. at the Recycling Stand at the Bridgeport Farmer’s Market.