CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea -- Girls Scouts made quite a splash here April 14, creating a rain garden at Beacon Hill and bringing awareness of the approaching Earth Day.
The rain garden is part of the Girl Scouts' Forever Green Project. There are three parts to the project: teaching about energy savings, teaching about reducing waste, and finally, creating the rain garden.
"It's really exciting that our girls can be a part of something that is permanent," said Girl Scout Overseas Committee Chair Jessica Dunn. "This is something that will be a part of the Humphreys community."
In a rain garden, native plants are planted into a depression next to a slope, where they catch rainwater, according to Sheri Castro of the Humphreys Directorate of Public Works. "It pretty much sustains itself," she said.
"I think it's a great idea and a tremendous addition to the park we already have," said Paul Steele, vice president of Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers.
Biologist Tom Kunneke from DPW Environmental volunteered his time and expertise to the project.
"I really enjoy seeing young people out getting involved with landscaping and habitat projects," he said. On his recommendation, Korean wetlands plants were used. These plants included Korean irises, Korean willows, and asters.
"It's a great day," said Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Gray, United States Army Garrison Humphreys senior enlisted Soldier. "The Girl Scouts are here and it's good they are learning leadership and doing something for our environment."
"We just want the community to be aware of the environment and what's going on around them," Castro added.
And while the rain garden was created in a day, its benefits will last much longer, according to Gwen Devera-Waden, a Girl Scout volunteer.
"It's important for today," she said. "And it's important for the future."
Related Links:
United States Army Garrison Humphreys website
United States Army Garrison Humphreys on Facebook
United States Army Garrison Humphreys on Flickr
Morning Calm newspaper archive
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