SNHS: Renew!

Raider Renew! Community Service Initiative

As Co-President of my School's Science National Honor Society, I lead Renew!, a student-driven initiative focused on sustainability and environmental restoration. I've partnered my club with local environmental preservation organizations such as the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program and ReForest ATL. Here, we've helped with community cleanups, habitat restoration days, and invasive species removal. I hope to further this initiative, aiming to inspire long-term environmental stewardship from Alpharetta High School and beyond.

During our first day with the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program and ReForest ATL, we explored the local Alpharetta forest ecosystem, learning to identify native and invasive species. Working in specialized groups, we targeted invasive species like Chinese privet and Shiso, removing large sections to support the restoration of native forest growth. I had a great time talking to Ms. Kate Carson the founder of ReForest ATL. She gave me a lot of valuable insights into her own environmental sustainability work and future directions. Our crew had a great time piling up mounds of invasive species, and I'm glad this day was able to put some smiles on peoples faces.

9/13 Habitat Restoration Day @Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program & ReForest ATL

10/11 Habitat Restoration Day @Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program & ReForest ATL

On our second day with the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program and ReForest ATL, we built on what we learned earlier by continuing our restoration efforts throughout the forest. We revisited key areas to identify remaining invasive plants and focused on clearing Chinese privet, Shiso, and other species crowding out native growth. Our collective work helped expand the restored zones and further promote the health of the Alpharetta forest ecosystem. It got slightly colder from the last time, but it was still a fun time!