Habitat Restoration
Invasive Plant Removal
- Description: To maintain the diversity of our outdoor learning sites, students are taught to identify invasive species and understand their negative impact on natural ecosystems. Students also assist in the removal of invasive species.
- Grade Level(s): 9--12
- Number of Students Involved: 50
- Dates: Students removed invasive species from the Cove Run brook trout restoration sites on April 15, 2016 and April 10, 2018. Students removed invasive species from the school nature trail and learning centers on October 3, 2018.
|
Bird Boxes & Squirrel Feeders
- Description: Bird feeders, squirrel feeders and bluebird boxes can be found at several locations in and around the school grounds. Some of these devices were built by students in the carpentry classes. Students hung all of the feeders and boxes and are in charge of keeping the feeders filled. Each spring, students clean out the bluebird boxes to prepare them for a new round of young.
- Grade Level(s): 9--12
- Number of Students Involved: Approximately 20 each year
- Dates: Bird feeders built and installed during the fall of 2016. Bluebird boxes installed during the spring of 2017. Maintenance of devices is ongoing.
Local Tree Plantings
- Description: NGHS students participate in tree plantings in their community. Most recently, they have planted trees along a stream that ran through pastureland at a local farm to create a riparian buffer and at a reclaimed strip mine site to prevent soil erosion.
- Grade Level(s): 9--12
- Number of Students Involved: 100
- Dates: April 11, 2016 and April 21, 2016
Students work hard to plant seedlings along a stream and in a reclaimed strip mine site to improve the local habitat.
Native Meadow Construction
- Description: During the spring of 2016, biology and environmental science students worked with members of a local garden club to construct a native meadow on the school grounds. Students assisted in the planning and construction phases of the meadow. Students decided to place a fence around the meadow to prevent it from being destroyed by deer. In order to make it useful for lessons, they chose to place a stone walkway through the middle of the meadow and a gate at either end of the walkway. When selecting native plants, in addition to thinking about ecosystem benefits, students selected plants that flower in either spring or late summer, so they would be in bloom when school is in session. They then constructed a small paved area and placed benches near the meadow. The benches were constructed by members of the carpentry class. The meadow is now an excellent resource for studying native species, biodiversity, ecosystems, and pollinators.
- Grade Level(s): 10--12
- Number of Students Involved: 100
- Dates: April 2016--June 2016
|
Following is a list of the native plants in the meadow and a map of their location. The final document can be used as a key to allow the students to identify the plants in the meadow and learn more about them.