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About the Project Team  |
This exhibit was created by ten eighth graders at Exploris Middle School as part of a yearlong service-learning project under the guidance of teacher Frank McKay. Exploris Middle School is a charter school located in downtown Raleigh that focuses on global education. At Exploris, giving back to the community through service learning projects is an integral part of the learning commitment. The Walnut Creek wetlands are only a few miles from the school and the situation there offered an ideal learning opportunity for the Exploris students. The local community action organization Partners for Environmental Justice (PEJ) offered vital assistance in the research and interview process as students worked on the project. Members of PEJ educated the student team about environmental justice and how to work for it.
The Walnut Creek Oral History Project aims to preserve the stories of the people who live near the Walnut Creek wetlands, as well as to help raise awareness about the value of urban wetlands. During this project, students visited the wetlands, toured the community with members of PEJ, and interviewed seven citizens who have connections to the area either through their work or their family.