Project Description: Students surveyed the biological diversity of selected regions in
the Godfrey Lee community to create a biodiversity map of species
found within the school district. These measurements were compared
with other field sites and with test plots in the school's Outdoor Lab
community.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students expressed gratitude at being able to spend time outdoors
and in their community.
Project Description: A “Natural Playground” was constructed adjacent to the Godfrey-
Lee Early Childhood Center (ECC) using community support. It serves as
an outdoor learning base for students at the ECC to access the nearby
Outdoor Learning Lab on the banks of Plaster Creek.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students were able to see that interaction with natural spaces
can be an enthralling process and that their “neighborhood” contains a
vast playground and learning lab that previously remained hidden from
view, due to lack of access or to stigma.
Partners: Plaster Creek Stewards, Tontin Lumber, Wyoming Parks
Teachers: 1
Students: 250
Funder: Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
Project Description: Students began their ecology course through exploring the art of
Alexis Rockman in identifying environmental and ecological themes and
connecting them to Michigan’s ecosystems through a visit to the GRAM.
After deeper analysis, students took part in two field trips to the
Grand Ravines and Rosy Mound Natural Areas to observe more intact environments.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: Students know that natural places exist nearby and that they have
access to visit these unique locations. They know that urban
neighborhoods often lack the qualities found in protected areas. In
the long term, students may support the development of park systems
that protect these areas and limit their consumption of resources that
could impact these environments.
Project Description: Students assessed the ecological environment of their
surroundings at three different levels - classroom, school building,
and community - to determine what components needed human management.
They implemented a plan to reduce food waste and encourage recycling
in the cafeteria.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship: I expect that several of these students will carry on the idea
that we use an excess of materials in our society and that very
frequently these end up creating a source of pollution directly for
ourselves. Encouraging others to be aware of this can cause slow but
gradual changes in a populations that lead for the better.
Partners: Kent County Recycling and Education Center
