In Plant City, Florida, CF Industries has been working with Knights Elementary School to restore a deteriorated wetland. This area near the school was overgrown with many exotic plant species crowding out native plants. What remained was essentially a ditch that had become a dumping ground for trash, old tires, and scrap metal.

When funding became available to restore the wetland, the company’s Environmental staff provided expertise and worked with the school throughout the process. A CF Industries crew cleaned up the trash and also provided guidance on removing non-native vegetation.

After the natural species of vegetation were replanted, the wetland began to return to its original state. In the summer of 2007, the final element of the restoration project was designed: a walkway that students and teachers use for field trips to observe and study the wetland ecosystem and learn about the importance of wetlands. Construction of the walkway was completed in the fall of 2008, and the grand opening was held in 2009. The wetland has been a favorite spot for school children to explore and enjoy ever since.