Featured Story
Earth Day: Looking Back at St. Luke’s Pyrenees Trip
From Global Studies Director Beth Yavenditti:
April 22 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In honor of this day, we’re looking back to June 2019 when eight students and two faculty members, Janet Jochem and Chris Phelps, spent two weeks in the Pyrenees in Andorra researching the impact of climate change on alpine species. The St. Luke’s travelers planted 1,800 pine seedlings (to help measure tree growth at various elevations), planted teabags (to study decomposition rates at various altitudes and the impact of increased microbes and nitrogen in the soil), and set up cameras (to record wildlife). They also enjoyed hiking and all the incredible vistas.
April 22 marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. In honor of this day, we’re looking back to June 2019 when eight students and two faculty members, Janet Jochem and Chris Phelps, spent two weeks in the Pyrenees in Andorra researching the impact of climate change on alpine species. The St. Luke’s travelers planted 1,800 pine seedlings (to help measure tree growth at various elevations), planted teabags (to study decomposition rates at various altitudes and the impact of increased microbes and nitrogen in the soil), and set up cameras (to record wildlife). They also enjoyed hiking and all the incredible vistas.
Looking back months after the experience, the faculty chaperones shared these reflections:
Chris Phelps: “Without question, this trip was one of the most significant events of my professional life. To spend time in a truly pristine place and see the effects of climate change – loss of insects, snow in the middle of June, lack of high altitude apex predators – and to be a part of a scientific experiment that will continue for the next 20-25 years was very meaningful. All the planting we did taught me that it does not require a lot on my part to make an impact. It did and will require some sacrifice to make permanent changes.
I learned to think long and hard about how my everyday choices impact the world. I take into consideration how much water I use each day and the amount I drive for personal reasons. I also get into the woods at least once a week. Since the stay at home orders took effect, I run with my dog in the woods 3-4 times a week. Nature really is a healing place. The light, sun, pines, rocks, and dirt transform my outlook and feed my soul.”
Janet Jochem: "Our little group was so invested in making a difference. The students worked through rain, snow and hail. They climbed deep into the Pyrenees and celebrated each moment with joy and hope for the future! We were so fortunate to partner with our student ‘environmental warriors.’ As we move through this uncertain time, I am grateful for the memories and optimistic that collectively we will move towards a better future."
Read and see more about their adventures in this blog post the St. Luke’s travelers recording during their trip.
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 35 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Center for Leadership builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
