The BEAT: Making a Difference in our Community

This year was a jam-packed and exciting one for the Brentwood Environmental Action Team (BEAT), full of new projects and great student interest. To kick start the year on a social note and to enjoy the last of the warm evening weather, we hosted a bonfire on the waterfront complete with s’mores and hot chocolate for students to enjoy. For members, we got creative and tie-dyed shirts for the team. The BEAT’s first environmental action of the year was helping an NGO, SeaChange, restore local eelgrass populations. Then the fall and winter held great outings to hikes to local areas such as the Koksilah forest, where we saw some amazing trees, and the stunning Kinsol Trestle, which we visited on a snowy winter afternoon. Our main project this year, entitled “Home Tweet Home”, saw many awesome and dedicated volunteers build and install nest boxes for the birds of the local Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society.  Throughout the year, BEAT reps continued to work tirelessly in the houses to assure that proper waste sorting occurred. We hope that with continued diligence, and with the support of our waste sorting team, headed by Rebecca S, Allard ‘18, Friday night sorting of room garbages will become the norm. The spring brought on the Herculean task of waste sorting at the 47th Annual Regatta, where reps patrolled to make sure all the guests and athletes on campus stayed green by ensuring their waste was sorted correctly. Meanwhile, the annual “Pizza On Patel” energy saving contest is always a good way to bring recognition to the importance of energy conservation and a bit of green competition between houses, with the winner getting free pizza for the whole house! The BEAT also hosted an afternoon on the waterfront which allowed students the opportunity to enjoy swimming and paddleboarding in order to beat the heat of the approaching summer weather.  What a great year! The BEAT provided a year full of community action which allowed leadership opportunities for many dedicated student volunteers who had a blast making a difference in the outdoors. Gina B, BEAT Captain, Mackenzie ‘17