From learning about electric vehicles and environmentally conscious energy alternatives to conserving local wildlife, the Principles of Applied Engineering and Environmental Systems classes take bettering the environment into their own hands.

On January 19th, these two classes went to the Resler Canyon Nature Preserve to help plant a sensory garden; this garden will feature native plants to be enjoyed by visitors and desert pollinators.

Loretto Academy students helped by lining hiking trails with rocks, preparing the soil that would be used, and transplanting prickly pear cacti from the canyon to the garden.

They also measured the area, temperature, and coordinates of the garden patches.

A Principles of Applied Engineering student, senior, Ruthanne Brown, said, “It was definitely hard work, but I’m glad to be able to help this project come along quicker.

It’s amazing to be able to create such a big impact in the local environment.”

Principles of Applied Engineering teacher Ms. Pasaret said, “We follow the teachings of Laudato Si’, so environmental justice is prevalent in this class.

We went to restore the environment that was previously destroyed at Resler Canyon and it was amazing to see Loretto students work on the land.

We learned that it will take years to see what we did flourish, but we hope the incoming freshmen will get to see it sometime during their years at Loretto.

Even if the garden won’t be ready this year, there are plans for Loretto students to go back to the nature preserve to continue working on it.”

The sensory garden will take a while to completely finish but it is amazing that Loretto helped make a green mark on the environment.