Creating a Schoolyard Habitat

Why Act?

According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service website, “habitat” is the collective term for the food, water, shelter, and nursery areas that all wildlife needs to survive. The loss of habitat is one of the greatest threats facing wildlife today. Schoolyard habitats can provide shelter and habitat for a number of local and migratory wildlife species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Habitats with lots of vegetation can help clean our waterways by filtering out pollutants. In addition, a schoolyard habitat can help students learn by providing lots of hands-on learning opportunities, while instilling a life-long value of ecological stewardship.

Action Steps

• Decide what sort of project you want (ie gardens, native habitat for wildlife, ponds, etc).
• Complete background research: identify areas in the schoolyard where a project can be done.
• Complete vegetation and wildlife survey to make sure that your schoolyard can support plants and wildlife.
• Determine number of plants needed.
• Select plants (see the following website for information on selecting and obtaining native plants: http://www.maeoe.org/habitat/how/plants.php).
• Make a planting map.
• Add habitat elements, such as feeders to attract birds or insects, and rock and brush piles. Habitat elements include food sources, water sources, places for cover, and places to raise young.
• Have plan reviewed and approved.
• Carry out management and maintenance once habitat is established (watering, weeding, etc).

Resources:

www.maeoe.org/habitat/

www.maeoe.org/habitat/how/steps.php)

www.nwf.org/schoolyard/

www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/schoolyd.htm)

www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/pdf/habitatguide.pdf