EUGENE, Ore. – High school students in Eugene are rolling up their sleeves to restore local parks during the sixth annual Weed-a-Thon.

As part of their curriculum, students from Twin Rivers Charter School spent 24 hours at Logjam State Park removing invasive species to protect the area’s natural habitat. About 40 students began their hard work at 9 a.m. Friday in southeast Eugene.

“Clearing out this environment and taking it back to what it’s supposed to look like,” said student Jaxson Maude. “You can see all of the changes that we’re making. It’s really been like a boost of confidence.”

Twin Rivers is a career and technical education school that prioritizes small class sizes and outdoor projects with a focus on outdoor conservation. For this project, students worked to make a difference in their community.

“Whether it’s forestry or habitat restoration, we just hope that our students walk away from here feeling like they have some skills built up in those careers,” said Vice Principal David Knox.

This year, students focused on removing Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, two invasive species spreading throughout the park. Knox explained the importance of the work.

“If we’re able to remove the invasive species, then all the native species that can’t outcompete the invasive species would grow back and it just allows for the whole habitat to function better,” Knox said.

Students said large group experiences like these allow for better connections with their classmates while giving back to the natural world. Student Jordan Forsberg shared what the project meant to him.

“It’s really nice to know that I’m able to use my skills and my energy to make a difference in my local environment,” Forsberg said.