Project Description: 

2^nd and 4^th graders at CA Frost Elementary read some stories that sparked a discussion on protecting wildlife and building more wildlife habitats for plants and animals. The second graders walked through the neighborhood to do an assessment on what components of a wildlife habitat were present. The 4^th graders, then, created a flier and survey to see what people in the neighborhood knew about wildlife habitats, native plants, and to see who would want to transform part of their lawn into a wildlife habitat. 

The students looked at the survey results and decided that two things needed to happen: they needed to educate the neighborhood on some environmental topics and to transform someone's lawn into a certified wildlife habitat.

Based on the survey, the students determined that the neighborhood needed to learn more about the benefits of native plants, so they made door hangers for the neighbors to educate them on native plant species and on how to create wildlife habitats. The 4^th graders created digital field guides of native plants for the neighbors to use.

One lucky house in the neighborhood was chosen to have their lawn turned into a certified wildlife habitat with the help of students at CA Frost and our community partners (Roots Wild Ecoscape Design and Grow Wise Learning). The students did research on native plants and had to use a budget to plan for the project. The wildlife habitat will be created on June 3, 2023.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:

We expect that students will be able to help spark interest in others for creating more environmentally friendly uses of their yard, as well as provide a valuable start to help this happen.  Students can provide information to others on what a native plant is and why it is important to use them both for the plants and animals that may be in that area. We also hope to spark enough interest that students will want to increase native plant habitats in their own yards and community.

Partners:

Roots-Wild, Grow Wise Learning LLC

Teachers:

Laura Kenworthy, Environmental Science, 2nd Grade; Amy Paul, Environmental Science, 2nd & 4th Grades

Students:

151

Funder:

Wege Foundation, Family Support, Roots-Wild, Grow Wise Learning LLC

Showcase Video: https://youtu.be/Z90Hky4f_i4

Project Description: 

This year we learned about habitat fragmentation and how building wildlife corridors can help animals. 2nd and 4th graders built a certified wildlife habitat on a neighbor’s lawn to act as a model for the neighborhood. Students then decided that we needed to put on an event to educate the public about the benefits of building wildlife corridors and using native plants. Kindergarten, second, and fourth graders created and ran a Habitat Community Event on May 11th.  Each grade had a station set up that addressed the following: butterfly gardens, building wildlife habitat, invasive species, and the benefits of native plants. The students created butterfly guides, invasive species guides, and native plant field guides that people could take via a QR code. The students also created games, and crafts, offered face painting, and snacks. It was a huge success. We had a post survey and 50% of people said they were planning on building a wildlife habitat on their lawn and 46% said they were thinking about it. Instead of building 2 wildlife habitats, we instead build 1 and put on the event to get more people to build them themselves. CA Frost Middle/High were also there selling their native plants. 

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:

I think after this project, students will be more aware of the benefits of native plants and the dangers of invasive species. I think they will be an advocate for the planet and help encourage their family members to build butterfly gardens, use native plants, and build wildlife habitats to help the animals.

Partners:

Grow Wise Learning, Garza Potting Shed, CA Frost Middle/High, Native Edge

Teachers:

Amy Paul, K-2-4, Environmental Education; Laura Kenworthy, 2nd, All Subject; David Kraff, 9th-12th, Environmental Science; Sarah Kulchar, K, All Elementary

Students:

241

Funder:

Baldwin Foundation

Showcase Video:  https://youtu.be/INkcZSELDqs?si=MDr1ip6AX0MJ0gsJ

Project Description: 

Students in grades K–5, led by 2nd and 5th graders, are redesigning and rebuilding a malfunctioning bioswale near their playground to improve drainage, enhance native biodiversity, and educate the public. Through mapping, budgeting, planting, and creating interactive signage with QR codes linked to student-made field guides and phenology data collection, students are engaging in real-world environmental stewardship and citizen science.

Partners:
Native Edge, Garza’s Potting Shed

Teachers:
Amy Paul, K, 2nd, 4th

Students:
363

Funder:
The Baldwin Foundation

Showcase Video:  https://youtu.be/-elvJWeIEp8?feature=share