Students Launch Awareness Campaign to Protect Native Species

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

Fifth Grade students launched a campaign to educate people on native and invasive plants to increase planting of native plants and understanding of the precautions to take against invasive plants.

After consulting with their school’s Master Naturalist and learning that he removed the invasive species in the area, they realized that many people do not understand how to protect the area against invasive plant species. They decided to create 23 informative signs about plant species and created a stepping stone path for visitors to follow along and learn more. This path is now used by the school’s science specialist to teach lessons on seasons and native plants.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.8, 15.5

Virginia Students Reduce Spread of Invasive Species

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

When fifth grade students at Jamestown Elementary conducted an environmental inventory of Jamestown Elementary and Jamestown Park with the Master Naturalist and Park Steward, they found many invasive plant species. These plant species were not native to the area and may have been spread there by seeds stuck on to visitors’ shoes.

To address this problem, students installed boot brushes close to where the invasive plant species were spreading as well as other key areas. They worked with their art teacher to create signs that would educate others on how to use boot brushes and the impact of invasive species. They planned and stocked up on replacement brushes and signs when future grade students notice that they are needed.

Many students have now changed their habits and use the boot brush regularly to protect the local watershed. They understand the impact of invasive plants and know what to look out for in the future.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.5, 15.8

Creating Animal Habitats for Our Creek

2023, Arlington, VA, USA

5th grade students at Jamestown Elementary studied and investigated the local creek on the school property with the help of a Master Naturalist and park Steward. They discovered that there was a lack of animals around the creek and decided to make a change. Students attracted animals using bird houses and insect hotels. This also included a screech owl box to attract new birds to the area. A flicker nesting box near the creek to attract the local northern flicker population, and snake guards to the blue bird nesting box poles to protect them.

The students were thrilled to see that all 4 boxes were used by the targeted bird population, wrens, and the nests were kept and shown to science students.

The creek became a valuable learning tool for all ages to understand the unique role each organism plays in the overall health of an ecosystem.

SDG: 15: Life on land, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Targets: 15.5, 6.6

Young People Leading American Eel Species Repopulation

2023, Lewistown, PA, USA

Wildlife and Fisheries Science students at Mifflin County High School took action to help restore the native American Eel population in Kish Creek.

They partnered with Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Cerry Township, Mifflin County Conservation District, PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the PA Game Commission to create a sustainable action plan.

Upon learning about the eels and their impact in the waterway, students raised eel in the classroom, released them into the local creek, and planted native seedlings along the creek. This project occurred throughout the duration of the school year and resulted in an immediate increase in the local eel population.

The students plan to continue monitoring the eel in their local watershed, conduct water testing, and involve future classes in macroinvertebrate monitoring. The knowledge and resources that they have gained while monitoring this eel population, is inspiring them to educate friends and families and involve themselves in other projects that can improve their local watershed.

SDG: 4: Quality Education, 14: Life Below Water, 15: Life on Land

Targets: 14.1, 15.1

Water Conservation Open House

2022, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, USA
Girl holding 500 dollar cheque for environmental contest winner

Hana is a student in Grant High School’s GEO Academy, and a 2022 Caring for Our Watersheds finalist. With funding from Nutrien and the help of her fellow classmates at Grant, Hana organized and facilitated an Open House event on campus to demonstrate various techniques to conserve water in the landscape and home. Stations included information on drought tolerant plants, mulching, composting, drip irrigation, and water conservation devices such as soil moisture meters, faucet aerators, and low-flow showerheads. Free samples of water-wise plants and devices were available to community members.

Students standing at station for orange poppy Boy learning about conserving water outside at info station

Purple Martin Towers

2022, Herndon, Virginia, USA

We are the Herndon Elementary School Bee’s Green Team! In 2022 we won 1^st place in the Chesapeake Bay Caring for Our watershed contest with our project, “Purple Martin Project” and we installed 2 purple martin towers on our school property with funding from this competition. Why? This bird species has been declining and plays a vital role in improving the biodiversity of ecosystems in our community and around the world.

Now, we are expanding our idea to help others build Purple Martin Towers in their communities in order to help the Purple Martins thrive there. As the international idea for the 2022-23 school year, Purple Martin towers will be installed in each CFW region internationally! We are excited to continue to work as a school, and throughout other schools along the Purple Martin’s migratory path, to manage and monitor the tower and species with a bird watching area.

Check out our demonstration of setting up and cleaning out your purple martin towers here:

Students Expand Tree Canopy

2022, Arlington, VA, USA

5th graders at Barrett Elementary School launched a campaign to expand their community’s tree canopy and raise awareness of how to keep trees healthy to improve their watershed.

The students led by example and participated throughout the whole process of planting trees. Despite hot weather, they dug holes, hauled mulch, and planted the trees. They collaborated with John Stewart, a special education teacher, who donated his time to purchase the trees from a local nursery.

Students are planning to continue to work to keep them strong and healthy as they grow by mulching and rewatering as needed. The students have launched an awareness campaign with their peers around how to keep our plants healthy and plan to create posters about the benefits of trees and why we shouldn’t climb, or pick leaves off when they are young. By raising awareness about how to protect life on land, they aim to change resident practices to create a lasting impact on their watershed.

SDG: 15: Life on Land

Targets: 15.1

Students Decrease Litter in Arlington

2022, ARLINGTON, VA, USA

5^th Grade students at Barrett Elementary School are creating a legacy of citizen involvement to keep litter out of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Their project, “Littering in Arlington, VA” aimed to inspire change at a local community level by clearing a local stream of litter. They achieved this by organizing and participating on a walking field trip where they picked up nearly 28 full bags of trash along the stream. The students plan to organize future clean ups, extending the impact and reach of this project over the coming years.

SDG: 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Targets: 2.1

To FLY you must eat first!

Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

The monarch butterfly population is decreasing fast which is why Jake Anselmo from Rocky Mountain High School decided to take action. Monarch butterflies migrate across the continent providing an invaluable service as pollinators. Their role as pollinators is essential for many ecosystems to thrive. In an effort to address his concern, Jake planted native milkweed in his watershed. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed for laying their eggs and for nourishment. Milkweed, unfortunately, has also decreased in Jake’s watershed due to the loss of habitat from land development and the improper spraying of weed killer. To make his impact count, Jake distributed milkweeds to his peers at school for planting. Jake also planted milkweed in a personal garden and in a garden near his school. Jake’s solution helps contribute to Target 15.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

outside garden containing milkweed plant, student standing in garden

Think Before You Throw It

Union Colony Prep, Greeley, Colorado, USA

Mariah Glasper and Lana Coron from Union Colony Prep wanted to decrease the amount of trash found in their watershed. They learned that wildlife can confuse trash for food and that trash can also be detrimental to the quality of water as some of the chemicals from plastic waste can leach into our water. To address this issue, they decided to focus on littering that originates from drivers. Mariah and Lana purchased 100 reusable trash bins that drivers can keep in their vehicles. They strategically selected these bins because of their convenience— they were collapsible and easy to store. These bins were distributed to peers and neighbors. With this project, they were able to contribute to Targets 6.3 and 12.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Trash bin in car, student handing out trash bin to driver through window, students posing