[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SALUTE TO ST. LOUIS EARTH ANGELS

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 18, 1995

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, too often we hear about young people who are 
involved with drugs or engaged in other criminal activities. Newspaper 
and television reports about troubled youths and gang violence in 
cities across the Nation are almost routine stories which can 
overshadow the achievements of the majority of responsible, hard-
working young people. I would like to take this opportunity to pay 
tribute to a very special group of young St. Lousians, the Earth 
Angels. These outstanding young innercity residents are committed to 
protecting the environment and advancing social justice. They are 
making many positive contributions to our community and deserve 
recognition.
  Earth Angels operates under the auspices of the Guardian Angel 
Settlement Association of St. Louis and the Missouri Department of 
Conservation. Originally know as Dolphin Defenders the Earth Angels 
organization now comprises three environmental clubs with 100 members. 
The children are dedicated to preserving the natural environment and 
improving the quality of life for all living things. The Earth Angels 
have vision and imagination. They look beyond their own personal 
struggles in life and focus their energies on preserving and nurturing 
life for other. To this end the Earth Angels have undertaken a number 
of environmental enhancement projects throughout the St. Louis 
community. In scores of little ways they are making a big difference.
  The Earth Angels have adopted two lakes which the children maintain 
in St. Louis' Forest Park and at the Busch Wildlife Reserve. They also 
conduct regular neighborhood cleanup projects. They have studied how 
ground pollution impacts water systems and the environment and they are 
working to help end this pollution problem.
  Earth Angels children have established a grow lab where they are 
growing trees from acorns in hopes of establishing a young pin oak 
grove. They are also engaged in massive recycling efforts. The Earth 
Angels have: recycled over 350,000 aluminum cans in 6 years, reclaimed 
and recycled over 49,000 pounds of glass in 2\1/2\ years, reclaimed 
1,522 abandoned tires in 2 years, recycled over 200 pounds of scrap 
lead and 500 pounds of cast iron and countless plastic containers. The 
Earth Angels are now working to establish a battery recycling program.
  At the Delmar Metro Link Station the Earth Angels have established a 
model prairie garden of native Missouri prairie plants. They plan to 
add a brick walk--using reclaimed bricks--and a small wetland area at 
the bottom of the garden. This garden is not just an aesthetic 
enhancement at the light rail station but a place where children are 
taught more about ecosystems, foods chains, and bio-diversity.
  The Earth Angels have also shown a very special awareness and 
compassion for young people who are the victims of violence. They have 
established a Forest of Life project which plants one tree, in a 
special area of Forest Park, for each child killed by violence in the 
city of St. Louis.
  Earth Angels children are studying science and nature in order to 
promote life. In their many undertakings, these children are improving 
both their own life skills and the quality of life around them. The 
Earth Angels inspire others with their passion for learning and 
willingness to help solve community problems. These young people are 
our hope for the future. I congratulate each member of the Earth Angels 
and wish them every continued success in all their future endeavors.

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