Bats! Bullfrogs! Insects! Students anxiously waited for Biodiversity in the night, they were able to identify bats through acoustic monitoring, and also had the opportunity to compare insect's attraction to light. Seeing all that comes out after hours is truly fascinating!

This past week, Windham students got some hands-on action either planting trees on the Windham River trail or coming together and cooking a nutritional breakfast recipe at Click lead by Jacob to brainstorm ideas for their environmental action projects.

Throwback to the Field Experience! DMM Adriana transformed her mentees into stylized cartoons in scenes from portraits where she felt they truly illustrated (pun intended) what the field experience is really about!

On the final day of the field experience, we took a group photo together on the steps of the Biophysics Building, before welcoming families.  This wraps up our reflection of the CAP Field Experience. We look forward to sharing CAP Project Highlights with you in the coming weeks!

Alex organized an invasive plant removal event with his teacher and peers. In the spring, they intend to transplant native plants. They created plant ID cards to help educate volunteers about how to identify and remove the invasive plants they were focused on. Great work, Alex!

CAP Project Highlight: Liana is currently working on restoring the garden at Bassick High School in Bridgeport, CT. She wants to develop a community garden to combat food insecurity at her high school, and make fresh fruits and vegetables accessible for all.  Stay tuned for more!

CAP Project Highlight: Sammy is working with CT DEEP to learn about what types of macroinvertebrate can be found in different streams and in her local community. Recently, she went out in the field and teamed up with a CT DEEP member, where they collected samples from a stream.

The phases of Leon's environmental action project are as follows: 1. Remove invasive plants and gather materials 2. Practice weaving using different invasive plants 3. Host a community weaving event for the public. Great work, Leon!

The phases of Lilli's environmental action project are as follows: 1. Gather and wash clothing donations 2. Mend and upcycle clothing 3. Redistribute clothing to people in need. Direct Message us if you have clothing to donate!

CAP Highlight: Jack is working on testing the water quality of various water sites around Berlin. His comprehensive approach involves conducting tests on many different variables such as conductivity, pH, and nitrates, to create a holistic picture of a site's water quality.

Consider becoming a NRCA Difference Maker Mentor!  Join an Info Session on Laura Cisneros' Webex: uconn-cmr.webex.com/meet/lmc07015  Tuesday, Dec 12, 12-1pm EST  Thursday, Dec 14, 12-1pm EST  Monday, Dec 18, 12-1pm EST  Wednesday, Dec 20, 12-1pm EST

CAP Project Highlight: Yaya recently had the opportunity meet with Dr. Owens of the University of Hartford. Yaya is currently carrying out a recycling project, which will have components ranging from clean-ups and educational events to an art installation.

Jilliana led a captivating tree-planting event on Windham's River Trail last week. With her CAP groupmates, community partner Jean, and DMM Adriana, they planted four trees, protecting them with chicken wire.

Are you looking for summer and academic year employment? Interested in community engagement for environmental action? Want to gain leadership and mentorship experience? If you said yes, consider becoming a NRCA Difference Maker Mentor!    Please share widely!

Yaya and her DMM mentor Aalyah ran an educational recycling workshop with arts and crafts for youth, and will also be hosting a workshop for adults in January.  Her ultimate goal is to educate and inspire more people to recycle and join her for her March clean-up event.

The Ecosystem Benefits of Oysters Katie is examining how oysters provide habitat for other organisms and will quantify taxonomic richness in the process.  She is also designing a survey to go out to restaurants that serve oysters to learn more about their sustainable practices.

Are you looking for summer and academic year employment? Interested in community engagement for environmental action? Want to gain leadership and mentorship experience? If you said yes, consider becoming a NRCA Difference Maker Mentor!    Please share widely!

CAP Project Highlights: Hezron is working on restoring the greenhouse at Bunnell High School and creating a green-room. He's hosting lectures at his school to promote the benefits of plants in an academic setting and surveying the effects a zen room has on students mental health.

Cap Project Highlight: Hezron is working on creating a zen room and restoring a greenhouse. He is currently working on putting on the final touches in the relaxation room and putting some of his plants in their new home!

CAP Project Highlight: Yadelis Lantigua collaborated with her community partner Dr. Mayra Rodriguez to host an adult educational event in her community, on the importance of recycling. They were able to learn about recycling while having a fun night of BINGO!