Another notable donation is in hand as Emporia High begins “o-fish-ully” revitalizing its retention pond.
Emporia High is partnering with Emporia State University for the upcoming work, and the district announced a $7,000 grant from the Clint Bowyer 79 Fund on top of a $10,000 grant provided by the Chickadee Checkoff program. Organizers, including Emporia High Science department head Matt Irby and Emporia State Associate Professor Erika Martin, are awaiting word on other grant applications.
The retention pond is located between Emporia High and Pizza Ranch. Martin says it could cost upwards of $40,000 to make the pond fully ready for student projects, although students began the process of restoring the pond last week by removing non-native plants with support from ESU volunteers, biology students and Native Lands staffers. More plant removal is expected through the fall, with ESU Native Lands employees returning in mid-November to start planting native vegetation. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are also tentatively planning to visit the pond for water quality and aquatic life assessments.
USD 253 is not setting aside any funds for this project.
