OSHKOSH (WLUK) — An environmental non-profit is finishing up its first trash preventative project, thanks to a group of students at Oshkosh North High School.
Normally, Trash Free Waters Program at the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance works to collect litter. But now, it’s trying to prevent that garbage from getting there in the first place.
That’s thanks to an idea that was born in an Oshkosh high school classroom.
Seven students in the “Communities” course — a class that focuses on community-based learning projects — collaborated with the non-profit to create fishing line receptacles.
“I learned how much fishing line actually goes into the water. It’s been an incredible amount, and it’s just been really cool to be a part of preventing that,” explained junior Shawn Gunther. “And it’s just an amazing opportunity that we’ve been blessed with. It’s been amazing.”
Students came up with the design, budget and created the receptacles. Trash Free Waters labeled and installed them.
The receptacles can be found at Asylum Point Park, Ken Robl Conservation Area and Butte des Morts Boat Landing. More are expected to be installed as well.
The students are also working on projects with Bike Osh and Akan Acres Park.