Jack Brunner, left, of Tetra Tech hands a plant to East Chicago Lighthouse Academy fourth grader Sandra Olavarria following a program at the Roxana Marsh in East Chicago Monday June 11, 2012. The Environmental Protection Agency hosted the event to highlight restoration of the marsh along the Grand Calumet River. Students from LIghthouse grew dozens of plants to be planted as part of the restoration. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media
Workers shuttle hay blankets across shallow water to areas being planted at the Roxana Marsh in East Chicago Monday June 11, 2012. The blankets will help stabilize freshly planted areas of the marsh restoration. Andy Lavalley/Post-Tribune ptspt
A portion of the mural showcasing work being done as part of the Roxana Marsh restoration. The mural was created by students at the East Chicago Lighhouse Academy. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media
Erich Westergren carries a hay blanket to freshly planted areas of the Roxana Marsh restoration project in East Chicago Monday June 11, 2012. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media
Northwest indiana environmentalist Lee Botts shares a wave and smile with congressman Pete Visclosky following a program at Roxana Marsh in East Chicago Monday June 11, 2012. Botts is a long-time proponent of restoring the Grand Calumet River and other areas in the region. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media
Cam Davis speaks during a program highlighting the restoration of Roxana Marsh in East Chicago Monday June 11, 2012. Davis works with the Environmental Protection Agency Center for Environmental Quality. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media
EAST CHICAGO — Some 20 years ago, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Senior Liaison Cam Davis took a paddle boat tour along the Grand Calumet, and what he saw reminded him of a napalm wasteland. After 100 years of using the Grand Cal as a dumping …
