Students at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Middletown Delaware recently planted seven species of native trees to benefit regional and migratory birds as well as improve the Delmarva watershed. The school also replanted the flower beds near the school with native species, creating a habitat for pollinators and a learning opportunity for students in partnership with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
“When we added the plantings near the school this fall to attract pollinators we immediately started to attract bees, butterflies, and dragonflies, which I didn’t see on campus before,” said STEM teacher Kerry Wilson, “this allowed our students to extend their study of the structure and function of plants and animals in nature right outside the classroom door.”
Over 100 students of all ages participated in the native species tree planting in November. The Delaware Forest Service provided an engaging and informative presentation about the importance of trees to our ecosystem before teaching students how to plant the 14 young trees. Students, foresters and faculty alike loved it. No one said it better than the Kindergarteners:
“I learned that trees are helpful to everybody.” –Luke Robinson
“Trees are actually food for animals. The birds will eat the berries.” –Aaria Newatia
“I liked everything.” –Samantha Longard
“This tree planting aligns with our mission and gives us a chance to instill a love of nature and love of trees,” said Urban Forestry Associate Dionne Duphily of the Delaware Forest Service. STEM teacher Kerry Wilson explained how the new trees will fit into the curriculum. “The students will be able to make a variety of observations using the new bird plot area. As one example, our first graders have been experimenting with the concept of adaptation in birds in the classroom, which can now be extended to engineering bird feeders and testing their designs in the newly restored habitats. It will be invaluable to observe the seasonal variety of birds on campus and their eating habits. They will have a better sense of the whole picture. The more students can understand the interconnectedness of our world, the better.”
St. Anne’s Episcopal School is a co-ed independent day school for children Pre-school (age 3) through 8th grade (https://www.stannesde.org).
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