by Julie Moring, University Of Mary Washington
We share our environment with many plants, animals,insects, and other beneficial organisms that many of us take for granted and neglect to recognize as contributors to our surroundings, without which our world would be dull, boring, and perhaps uninhabitable. This webquest seeks to bring students in touch with the nature that could be at our back door if we provide the necessary elements to attract, nurture, and sustain a variety of native plants, animals, and other beneficials in a beautified, natural setting for all to enjoy.
Introduction
Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat at our school will be an exciting learning experience for high school students to undertake. We will research native plants, animals, and insects that are beneficial to our local environment. With the help of various websites and learning tools, we will learn the requirements of the animals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians we hope to attract, the plants that serve as food for the various species in our habitat, and other requirements such as water, soil, and any other necessities to create a sustainable backyard wildlife habitat.
North Winneshiek Community school garden, Decorah, IA, Courtesy NWF
The picture above is an example of a schoolyard habitat created by students, teachers, parent volunteers, and from donations by local businesses. Our class, upon completion of our research and investigations will create our own schoolyard habitat to beautify our campus, attract and nurture local flora and fauna, and serve as a model for other classes and schools to preserve and protect a small piece of our environment using cost-effective, organic, and eco-friendly methods. So...let's get digging!
