On Friday April 1^st students left UIUC campus bright and early to make their way down to East St Louis. We stopped at Cahokia to stretch our legs on a quick hike up Monks Mound and learn about the civilizations that occupied the area hundreds of years ago. After lunch and a tour at the Joseph Center a group of students were led around the Metro East area on a “Toxic Tour” led by Kathy Andria of the American Bottoms Conservancy. Students got an up-close glimpse at the environmental problems that are facing communities in industrial areas in the region, including Sauget, Granite City, and Pontoon Beach. Kathy’s comprehensive knowledge of the issues and passion for her work engaged the students, who had a lot of good questions and ideas for work projects and educational endeavors that could help the area. Central to the environmental concern in the area is the fact that the industrial area is in the Mississippi River floodplain, much of it is directly adjacent to weakened levies. Students also learned that residents of Granite City contend with air quality that ranks among the worst in the whole country.

On Saturday we spent the day high up on ladders, painting the new siding at Opal’s House, a home for victims of domestic abuse. The fresh coat of paint was the finishing touch on a weekend of landscaping, planting, and general maintenance to make the house as comfortable and welcoming as possible for its residents.

A stop at Pirtle’s Ice Cream Shop was just the thing after a day of hard work outside.