U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson visited Kansas on June 22 to mark the kickoff of the Obama administration’s “United We Serve” initiative.
Jackson joined local students to monitor and help clean up the Missouri and Kansas rivers at Kaw Point Park in Kansas. Students tested mercury levels in fish, measured water quality and used boats to pick up trash along the rivers’ banks.
Jackson was joined at the event by volunteers from several local organizations, including Missouri River Relief, Blue River Watershed Association, the Missouri Stream Team and Friends of the Kaw.
“The day we spent cleaning local waters with Kansas City students is part of a nationwide movement of service. It’s inspiring to know that by doing what we can in our local community, we’re making a better future for our country,” Jackson said. “As we work our way through a host of unprecedented challenges, Americans from every walk of life, in every community, can help to build a new foundation for widespread prosperity and success. With a commitment to service--starting with the United We Serve initiative--we will emerge from these challenging times a stronger and revitalized nation.”
United We Serve is President Obama’s summer service initiative. It is a call to all Americans to join a volunteer effort this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America, one community at a time. United We Serve officially starts June 22 and runs through the National Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept. 11.
