Groundworks

      Today we visited Groundworks Nola Earth Lab where they introduce environment-friendly information and resources to low-income communities. At the beginning of our tour, we earned about the green infrastructure that they have in places such as the horsetail plants and other native plants. The horsetail is a native plant that holds a lot of water, during flooding they can soak up and retain a large amount of water. They then return water back to the soil and help the ground retain its buoyancy. In addition to soaking up water and reducing flooding, the horsetail works as a natural water filter. We were also made familiar with compost and informed on how composting can recycle scraps and provide nutrients for plants. After our tour, it was very fun to be able to plant lavender, eggplants, and okra using the compost soil. This was a great learning experience and a fun way for us to get into nature. This trip gave us the opportunity to become familiar with natural ways we can help our environment through recycling, green infrastructure, and agriculture.