The Environmental Club was started to help students gain an understanding about the natural world around them and teach participants how to take action to better help outdoor surroundings. The club is having an exciting year with many upcoming projects. One of these large projects is the Tilapia Tank, which was built and is up and running at Harriton. We sat down with Isabel Lushbough, a leader of the club, to hear all about the fascinating events taking place.

Harriton Banner: Can you describe what the Environmental Club is?

Isabel Lushbough: The Environmental Club is a group for anyone that would like to learn more about the environment, climate change or nature.  It is also a group for anyone who would like to spread more awareness or take action, globally or locally in order to combat climate change.

HB: What projects will the Environmental Club focus on this year?

IL: This year the Environmental Club already built a butterfly garden!  So that was one project.  We are also planning on maintaining the aquaponic system (the tilapia and lettuce) in the JSL. I guess other smaller projects include a documentary series, an idling campaign, more additions to the garden such as apple trees, and improvements in the cafeteria for sustainability.

HB: What do you hope to accomplish this year in Environmental Club this year that is different from past years?

IL: We hope to see real, lasting change within our own community. Thus far, I think we’ve already done quite well with that considering that we’ve constructed a garden and have had truly successfully attended meetings for it.

HB: Out of all these projects, which one are you most excited for and why?

IL: I was very excited for the butterfly garden… now that that is done… I would have to say either the documentary series or the idling campaign.  I’d love to see people stop idling!

HB: Can you tell us exactly what a Tilapia Tank is?

IL: A fancy name for the Tilapia Tank is an aquaponic system.  This is a hybrid of hydroponic, a farming system which grows plants such as lettuce, and aquaculture, which is the farming of fish.  If you look at our “Tilapia Tank” in the JSL you’ll see both lettuce on top and, obviously, tilapia in the tank. Therefore, this is an aquaponic system.

HB: Who came up with the idea of having one at Harriton?

IL: I think Mr. Ferraro and Mr. Rhodes.

HB: How were they inspired to have one at Harriton?

IL: You’ll have to ask them more information about it… but I think we already had a hydroponic system and I think Mr. Rhodes saw an opportunity for weaving it into the Special Needs Program.

HB: Where is the Tilapia Tank now?

IL: The Tilapia Tank is up and running!  You can watch the tank on the TVs in the JSL and Mr. Ferraro can give you a more detailed description of how it’s doing chemically.

HB: How can people get involved in the Environmental Club this year?

IL: First, they should join the email list! The best way of doing that is emailing either me, or Mr. Ferraro if I’m too scary for you. Then you’ll hear about all of the events and then you can come! We look forward to seeing you!