Florida Keys Community College kicked-off the first in a series of community action projects this past weekend aimed at enhancing the campus with a focus on the environment.

Several community members answered the call, from 30-year faculty member Bill Trantham to students and staff, to revitalize the college's Clark Maxwell Marine Environmental Habitat Center and turning it into a green living/green learning space.  The Environmental Habitat Center is now well on its way to becoming a little piece of paradise thanks to the efforts of those who rolled up their sleeves this weekend and got down to the business of cleaning out the overgrown space that before Hurricane Wilma, offered campus visitors a nature walk along the bayside of the FKCC campus, and featured a touch-tank stocked with living marine specimen.
In the future, the space will offer a unique opportunity for the FKCC community and the general public to explore and enjoy a quiet space under the pavilion and sit on the benches to take in a Keys experience and glance out at the future.  "Not only will the public be treated to the benches and pavilion in a natural Florida Keys setting surrounded by natural beauty, it will be a lesson in green living," said FKCC President Dr. Jill Landesberg-Boyle who was a hand to take part in the afternoon and thank the volunteers.

The FKCC faculty members spearheading the project, Bill Trantham and Mark Woods, plan to provide the area with green energy.  "We'll power the facility using the power of nature," said Trantham.  A small wind turbine will power the energy needs of the space which include ceiling fans under the pavilion and operating the pumps needed to bring the environmental touch tanks back to life, allowing the public to view small native water creatures "eye to eye" without getting wet.
Trantham and Woods have also eyed the area as a potential launch spot for student trips out to the open water aboard an FKCC water craft that will also be powered by alternative energy sources; The College is looking to power a new vessel, the "Salad Sailor" with bio-fuel provided by the campus cafeteria waste.  Woods says he already has a working model for the marine propulsion project that will power the watercraft.

Community members who joined in this past Saturday to work along side of Trantham and Woods, include  Mike Driscoll (retired U.S. Navy); Suzanne Runnels, Jena MacLaurin, Kevin McKenna, Valerie Marsinchyk, Wyatt McKenna and Doug Gregory of the University of Florida's Monroe County Extension Services.  FKCC President Dr. Jill Landesberg-Boyle was on hand to thank all those who pitched in with the project. Corporate assistance was provided by Key West Tow Boat, 4-Star Rental and Home Depot.

Another opportunity for the community to participate in the College's Green Space/ Green Power Project is planned for November 3rd at the main campus behind the Marine Propulsion education building.  The main campus is located at 5901 College Road in Key West.  Inquiries may be made via email to estenoz_L@firn.edu or by calling 305-809-3283.