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 The EcoLynx Club mission statement reads: “EcoLynx’s
purpose shall be to identify, implement, and educate the Lincoln
College community on emerging technology and collaborations to
mitigate the campuses carbon footprint on the environment. Students
will be empowered to become leaders in the community creating
educational events and programs, which will in turn provide students
with marketable job skills in a variety of jobs (in and out of
conservation biology).”
According to club president Maddy Christenson one
project the club is currently working on is a campus beautification
project that will introduce pollinator gardens into the landscape.
To that end, two of the tables set up in the gymnasium were part of
a fundraiser the EcoLynx was hosting to raise money for the project.
The first table was a large bake sale with tons of really tasty
looking treats. Guests could purchase a treat and enjoy a free cup
of coffee. Also at that table, they could purchase raffle tickets
for a variety of gift baskets set up on a second table. The tickets
could be purchased at the bake sale table then deposited into the
container near the item the guest was hoping to win.
In addition to the fundraiser, the EcoLynx had a
couple of tables set up to address local environmental issues. The
first table was manned by Lincoln College sophomore Alex Anderson
and freshman Tanner Poppe. Both students are majoring in
Conservation Biology at LC.
At their table the guys had a variety of craft activities for the
youngsters. Kids could make butterflies from coffee filters or
create a bag clip with fuzzy caterpillars on it.
Another fun and practical activity the guys were
leading was making shopping bags out of used t-shirts. Alex
explained that the sleeves and neck were cut out of the shirt to
make the bag opening and handles. Then the bottom edge of the shirt
was cut into strips and tied into knots all across the bottom. When
completed, the shirt was a bag. Creating this type of bag is an
environmentally responsible task because first it saves an old shirt
that might otherwise go to a landfill. Secondly, it helps reduce the
need for plastic bags when going shopping. Again saving space in our
landfills. Another nice aspect of these particular bags is that they
are washable.
Another table put together by the club was a
conservation table. A portion of the table was put together in
partnership with the city of Lincoln. Lincoln is an official Tree
City. The table contained information about trees and also guests
were invited to take a free tree to plant at home.
Kelli Allison was working at that table. She was
spending her time talking with guests about protecting the
environment and also conservation. She had on display some of the
fresh water shells that have been collected at Creekside and shared
information about what the shells represent.
Allison said she is a full time student, a full time
mom, and works a full time job. But she’s always willing to help
find ways to encourage the public to be environmentally aware. She
added that currently she is working on another campus project – to
do away with the use of Styrofoam.
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Also at Allison’s tables were examples of how we can
recycle and ‘up-cycle’ items around the home and in our daily lives
in order to reduce waste and save space in area landfills.
Other booths set up at the fair included one by Erin
Soloman owner of Giggles and Gab. Soloman had a wide variety of gift
baskets prepared with individual offers that would satisfy any age
or gender.
Georgia Allison was on hand with her Advocare
products. Advocare products focus on health and wellness and include
dietary supplements and much more.
Shelly Hackett, Emily Hackett, Angela Miller and
Jennifer Steel were working together at their Paparazzi jewelry and
accessories. Paparazzi is a great solution for gals on a budget. The
bling jewelry offers a wide variety of styles as well as products
including necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets, all for only $5
per piece.
Saturday was a busy day at Lincoln College. There were Earth Day
activities at Creekside and also a new student orientation going on
at the Lincoln Center. Members of the EcoLynx were hopeful that the
other two events would help feed attendance on their event as the
day progressed.
Christenson did note that this is the first year the club has held
the event in recognition of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Last year the
club hosted its first fair during Easter time. Christenson said they
wanted to move the fair to the Earth Day and Arbor Day week to help
draw attention to their mission and purpose.
Though it was early in the day, the group was
enjoying some light attendance on Saturday morning and those who
were coming in were certainly enjoying learning more about the club
as well as conservation and environmental issues.
[Nila Smith]
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