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"Improve each occasion when thy soul is reached. Drain the cup of inspiration to its last dregs. Fear no intemperance in that, for the years will come when otherwise thou wilt regret opportunities unimproved."
- Henry David Thoreau, Journal, 1852

In the "Tracks" of Thoreau

School/Organization: Walden School
Louisville, Kentucky
USA
Grade Level: High School/Secondary
Group Size: 10
Project Scope: Average
Hours Spent on Project: 5
Category: Preservation, Sustainable Development, Other
Project Description
We explored the environmental footprint of the proposed track to be built by our school. Our objective was two-fold: To explore ways the construction and design of the track might be as green as possible and be user friendly to the community, and to discover ways that the operation of the track might also be environmentally friendly.

Project Photos
before
During
After
Project Reflection
How Your Group's Environmental Ethic Changed
Our environmental ethic is at a low point of evolution. Soren Kierkegaard discusses ethics on three levels: the esthetic, moral, and religious. We are very much stuck in the esthetic category, that is, we do recycling and conduct environmental projects to make ourselves feel better. We need to develop our students’ ethic to at least the moral level that stewardship of the environment is the right thing to do – even if we do not enjoy it or get any positive reinforcement.

I believe that when we are able to make some of our projects goals reality then the need for action, even inconvenience will be called for, and our students will have the opportunity to raise their environmental ethic.
What We Wish We Had Known Before We Started.
We were of the opinion that the track project was very near starting, but there have been several delays and we could have taken more time to construct proposals if we knew we would have had more time.
How We Made A Difference
The administration, athletic director, board of trustees, students, parents, and architects are all discussing issues of tree preservation, recycling and community involvement. These issues would not have been at the table without the input of this project. There is not doubt that this will be a different and environmentally better track because of the work of these students.
Who Or What Has Shaped Environmental Thinking In Your Culture Or Country?
Henry David Thoreau
Next Steps
We will present a formal proposal to the board of trustees and the committee responsible for the track construction to share the students' vision of an athletic facility that would be in the "Tracks of Thoreau."