At Unity Point School, a group of determined fourth graders is taking action to protect the planet. Among them is Nylah Perlman, a student whose passion for the environment has made her a standout member of the Environmental Club. Under the leadership of fourth-grade teacher Melanie Spears, the club not only educates its members about environmental issues but also empowers them to make a tangible difference.

“I love helping the Earth and learning about it,” Nylah says. “If we don’t take care of our planet, we won’t have anywhere to live.”

The Environmental Club, exclusive to fourth graders, is more than an after-school activity. It’s a platform for young environmentalists to explore sustainability and take action. Membership requires filling out an application, which includes listing traits that candidates bring to the group. This year, the club boasts its largest roster ever, with 28 members.

“Out of 67 fourth graders, 28 students applied, and I couldn’t bring myself to turn anyone away,” says Spears, who started the club 11 years ago. “It’s amazing to see how enthusiastic these kids are about helping the environment.”

The club meets every Wednesday after school and occasionally undertakes additional projects during the week. From recycling initiatives to creating bird feeders out of pinecones, the students engage in a variety of activities designed to benefit both the school and the larger community.

Education is a cornerstone of the Environmental Club. Members learn about pressing issues such as water pollution, air pollution, and habitat destruction. “We’re really focusing on educating ourselves first so we can educate others,” Spears explains.

Nylah finds these lessons eye-opening. “I’ve learned so much about pollution and how it hurts animals and plants,” she says. “It makes me want to do even more to help.”

One of the club’s most ambitious projects this year involved raising funds to protect the vaquita, a critically endangered porpoise species native to the Gulf of California. The students set an initial fundraising goal of $1,001 but quickly surpassed it, collecting over $1,068 in less than a week.

“This is the fastest any group has ever reached their goal,” Spears says proudly. “These kids are incredible fundraisers and so dedicated to the cause.”

Beyond fundraising, the Environmental Club takes a hands-on approach to environmental stewardship. Members regularly pick up trash around the school grounds, an activity that Nylah particularly enjoys.

“I like picking up trash because it helps more flowers grow,” Nylah explains. Her practical perspective highlights the club’s emphasis on connecting small actions to larger environmental benefits.

The students also engage in outdoor projects such as planting flowers and trees, composting, and maintaining a small garden in the school’s courtyard. These activities give them a direct role in beautifying their surroundings while learning valuable skills.

The Environmental Club isn’t just about immediate impact; it’s also about inspiring a lifelong commitment to sustainability. For Nylah, the club aligns perfectly with her dream of becoming a marine biologist.

“The vaquita is a perfect animal for me to help because I love the ocean,” she says. Her passion for marine life and her dedication to the environment make her a role model for her peers.

Spears sees Nylah’s enthusiasm as a reflection of the club’s potential to shape future leaders. “This group is so motivated,” she says. “Even if some kids focus on other activities like sports, programs like this show them the importance of balancing those interests with caring for the planet.”

The Environmental Club’s influence extends beyond Unity Point’s campus. Field trips to recycling centers and zoos provide students with real-world insights into conservation efforts. The club also invites guest speakers from local organizations to share knowledge and inspire action.

“Our goal is to make a difference not just at school but in the broader community,” Spears says. “We want our students to see how their efforts can ripple out and create positive change.”

Nylah echoes this sentiment with a thoughtful message: “Money isn’t everything. People need to realize that if we destroy the Earth, no amount of money will fix it.”

As the Environmental Club continues to grow, its members remain committed to their mission of making the world a better place. For Nylah Perlman and her peers, every piece of trash picked up, every flower planted, and every dollar raised is a step toward a greener future.

“I love that our school has programs like this,” Nylah says. “It shows that we can all do something to help.”

With dedicated leaders like Melanie Spears and passionate students like Nylah, the Unity Point Environmental Club is planting seeds of hope—one project at a time.