The Delta Epsilon Phi National Honor Society for High School students of German is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the exceptional academic accomplishments of German learners. Our society chapter, California Delta Eta, actively engages in various projects that promote learning and service.

On April 23rd, which also happened to be Earth Day, our local chapter of the Delta Epsilon Phi National Honor Society for High School students of German embarked on a meaningful project. Our goal was to contribute to the preservation and protection of the beautiful coastal wetlands in Huntington Beach, California. These wetlands are under the care of the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy (HBWC), an organization established in 1985 with the mission of acquiring, restoring, and safeguarding wetland habitats.

Under the guidance of Mr. Villa, a representative from HBWC, we gathered at 8:30 a.m. in the HB parking lot, as we had previously communicated through our website. Mr. Villa provided us with important instructions on how to carry out the task at hand. He emphasized the significance of our work, explaining the negative impact of litter on the marsh region and its wildlife. Equipped with large garbage bags and tongs, generously provided by Mr. Villa, we were ready to begin our cleanup efforts.

We followed a path that ran alongside the road, and immediately noticed the abundance of trash stuck to the fence. This was a cause for concern, as the discarded items, particularly plastic bags, had the potential to be carried by the wind onto the nearby beach. The marsh region, with its marshland appearance, also contained debris in the water. Undeterred, we tirelessly collected trash until noon, and almost everyone had managed to fill their garbage bag three-quarters of the way. It was truly gratifying to know that we were actively making a difference and contributing to the environment, especially on Earth Day.

The presence of garbage in the protected area opposite the beach is a serious issue. It not only harms and endangers the local wildlife but also poses a threat to the marine ecosystem, poisoning fish and other marine creatures. Additionally, the impact of this pollution extends to humans, as consuming contaminated seafood can have adverse effects on our health.

Our chapter, known as California Delta Eta, is committed to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable academic achievements of German learners. We firmly believe in the power of education and service. By organizing projects like the one we carried out at the Huntington Beach Wetlands, we strive to instill a sense of environmental responsibility within our community. Our efforts serve as a testament to the dedication and commitment of German learners to the betterment of our surroundings.

Participating in this endeavor were Lucas Ruebsamen, Shayan Youssef, Ryan Raisrohani, and Karl Gough-Eschrich. Together, they dedicated their time to cleaning up the Marsh Land and collected numerous bags of trash throughout the project. Their commitment and efforts made a positive impact on preserving the natural beauty of the wetlands.