All A Flutter With Birds and Butterflies

The Spratley Gifted Center is taking on an exciting project- a schoolyard habitat where students in grades 3-8 will be able to use scientific inquiry to conduct field investigations. The plan will be created by teachers and students together and will include a haven for birds, butterflies, and many other types of wildlife. The habitat will provide an opportunity to: engage students in hands-on learning, teach and learn across many academic disciplines, and to provide students with a powerful example of land conservation and stewardship.

We are in need of plants, fencing, arbors, and materials for signs. The community has been very supportive in getting this project off and running. The habitat area already has compost spread on the garden beds and they are ready for planting. Mulch will be donated and delivered soon. The students will be painting pickets, for the fence that will define the outdoor habitat, with our art teachers. Three rain barrels are being installed to teach conservation and to allow for easier care of the plants.

With an increasing "nature deficit disorder" among young people, my goal is to reconnect children to nature and encourage students to use their academic skills, curiosity, and creativity to learn about local ecosystems and wildlife species.