University of Wisconsin Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen conducted a Lakeshore Nature Preserve community service cleanup event here on campus Nov. 7.

More than 50 students volunteered at the preserve and park, also called Muir Woods that consists of a seven-acre tract on Lake Mendota near the central part of the campus. Its many wooded trails and close proximity to university classrooms provide recreation opportunities for students and faculty throughout the year.

The staff of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve presented the midshipmen with several projects throughout John Muir Park. The students organized themselves and divided the tasks between two groups. One group focused on removing invasive plant species that can harm native flora, including garlic mustard, honeysuckle, and buckthorn. A second group spread mulch to help redefine the well-worn trails throughout the preserve. Once the midshipmen had completed these tasks, they worked together to remove litter from the park.

"I really loved being able to see just how much we were able to accomplish," said Midshipman 2nd Class True Kaddatz from Greenville, Wis. "The forest looked so much better after we were finished."

The event represented a valuable opportunity for midshipmen from all classes to work together.

"I take a lot of pride in my school and my unit, and it was great to serve both this afternoon," said Midshipman 4th Class Sean Gohlke, from Janesville, Wis.

"My favorite part of event was working with the underclassmen and some of the officers in a really fun environment" stated Midshipman 1st Class Ben Fritz, from Lakeville, Minn. "We had a great time cutting down some of those trees on such a beautiful day."

Capt. Christopher Murdoch, NROTC commanding officer, has tasked the Badger Battalion with becoming more involved with the school and community. "The removal of invasive species and mulching of trails accomplished by the midshipmen are very important for the health and long-term management of these special areas which are utilized and enjoyed by students, faculty, staff, and the community," he said. "This project was our major service event to the University for the academic year."

The Lakeshore Preserve managers were amazed and very pleased by the quantity of work accomplished by the 55 midshipmen. Lakeshore Preserve Program Manager Laura Wyatt said, "It was especially invigorating yet humbling to observe how well they worked and the organization and respect they displayed. I applaud you and your team (Murdoch and his staff) for your guidance in preparing these young men and women to be critical leaders for our country. As a citizen, I was proud to be associated with such a fine group, even for a few short hours."

The NROTC midshipmen at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are among more than 4,000 students enrolled in the NROTC program at colleges and universities throughout the country.

The NROTC program develops midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, loyalty and Navy core values. The program provides college graduates an opportunity to commission as Naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the Naval service and have a potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.

Rear Adm. Stephen C. Evans, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) and his staff, headquartered in Great Lakes, Ill., oversee 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy, as well as the Navy's Citizenship Development program. NSTC includes RTC at Naval Station Great Lakes; NROTC units at more than 160 colleges and universities, Officer Training Command (OTC) at Naval Station Newport, R. I., and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide.

For more information about NROTC, visit www.nrotc.navy.mil/.

More information about NSTC can be found by visiting www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/ or visit the NSTC Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining/.

For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.