SAE:

 Developing a Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat

Description:

A student may develop a Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat at their school or at a local primary or elementary school. The student following the recommendations of wildlife specialist from text and other written publications can make the drawing of the plans for the wildlife habitat.

A schoolyard habitat will require the support of the local school administration and in some cases, the local Board of Education. This SAE is an excellent opportunity for a student to gather community support to assist with the project. Businesses, garden clubs and other civic organizations could be contacted to assist with this project.

The site selected for the school habitat can vary from a large plot of an acre or more to an area as small as a deck or patio that contains several containers of plant materials and a water source.

Wildlife that may be attracted may include butterflies, humming birds, song and game birds, and small mammals such as rabbits and squirrel. The main way to attract this wildlife is through a food source. Students can research the type of food plant materials that can be planted to attract a certain species of wildlife. This wildlife plot must be monitored to constantly replace food and water. Students should keep records on the time spent on this project, cost involved and the results based on the type of type of wildlife which is attracted.

  Written by Blane Marable

Georgia Wildlife Federation

Cooperate Extension Service

Area Forestry Teacher