The Difference a Duck Can Make

October 24, 2015: Make a Difference Day

Flocking together to serve their community, on Make a Difference Day, 66 Ducks participated in six hands-on service projects throughout the Eugene-Springfield area. Students dug in at three community gardens through partnerships with FOOD for Lane County and School House Garden—building a planting bed, sifting wheelbarrows full of dirt, moving composted leaves, harvesting four carts of sweet peppers and seven carts of celery, and pruning plants. These projects engaged students in sustainable, organic, and Lane County farming practices. One excited group of students gained a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environments around them through projects with Walama Restoration Project—where they removed invasive species from parks and outdoor spaces—and Hendricks Park, where they cleared ivy from nearly an acre of green space. Ducks whose interests were working with children spent their time with 20 children and their families through a partnership with Arc of Lane County, participating in fun fall activities such as carving pumpkins. Together with local partners, students participated in the largest day of national community service. Over 25,000 volunteers participated in 702 projects throughout the country that helped improve the conditions of their community.