Clay McMullen grew up loving the constant sound of Spring Peepers, little frogs that live in small natural vernal pools surrounding his town. Clay has always been interested in science and the ecology of the vernal pools, which are seasonal, temporary pools of water. He was aware that Ohio has lost many of these pools, the primary breeding, feeding, and resting grounds of amphibians, including Spring Peepers, as well as birds such as the endangered osprey. These wetlands are also important for a sound ecology and human health because they help support groundwater and well water, reduce flooding, and purify water.
After extensive reading and research, Clay organized the Wetlands Education Team (WET). "I think all students should spend time doing things they care a lot about," he said. "You'll be surprised at the impact you can make and you will feel really good about it, too."
WET helped create a 1.25-acre wetland and teaches students and property owners about the importance and protection of wetlands. WET also creates birdhouses and osprey nesting platforms for the wetlands, because the trees that the birds have relied on have been cut down. You can find information about WET on the Web at Blog: Wetlands Education Team.
Clay has talked to many groups, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. He has helped train adults to monitor vernal pools. He and his team use scientific tools to input data onto the Vernal Pool Partnership Web site, and have worked with community and governmental organizations, as well as with the local boards of education, to create outdoor classrooms for students. To support these programs, Clay has obtained extensive funds through donations, awards, and grants.
"Many people think that preserving wet lands is a job that can wait," Clay said, "so they need to be reminded that climate change, water quality problems, and flooding are not going to wait for them."
Clay McMullen received second place (in the 14-16 age category) in Action for Nature's (AFN) 2009 International Young Eco-Hero Awards. This profile was re-published with permission from AFN.
Read about more American Changemakers here.
