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A schoolyard wetland project is a unique opportunity to link learning to the landscape. Students practically apply textbook knowledge to make a difference in the community and the environment. When involved throughout all project phases, from setting goals, to design and choosing plants, to the actual construction of the wetland, students are empowered to take ownership and become stewards of their school grounds. Such an experience sets the stage for a lifetime of action.

Creating the wetland is just the beginning. A schoolyard wetland habitat transforms the schoolyard into a discovery zone, where students can explore the natural world and create a connection to it. Wetlands are a comprehensive educational resource. A living text book, students can learn about the water cycle, botany, food webs, soil, watersheds, and wildlife all in one place and first-hand. A wetland can also be used as a medium to teach non-science subjects such as art, math, English and social studies. With so many things to study, the same wetland can be used as a teaching tool from kindergarten all the way through high school and beyond!

The MARSH Project is a comprehensive approach to schoolyard wetland habitats design, construction and utilization that involves the entire school – administration, faculty, facility managers and most importantly students. Environmental Concern coordinates and facilitates the effort.

Step 1: Teacher Training
Using internationally acclaimed wetland curriculum guides WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands and POW! The Planning of Wetlands, a full-day, on-site professional development training will be offered to teachers. During the training, teachers will gain the knowledge, tools, and resources to fully utilize the wetland habitat as an integrated component of the entire curriculum. They will come away with an understanding of the importance of schoolyard habitat use in the context of national and international pedagogy trends and actively participate in preliminary design processes including site selection and goal setting.

Step 2: Habitat Design
An Environmental Concern Habitat Specialist, in concert with facility maintenance personnel, lead educators and chosen student leaders, conducts a thorough assessment of the schoolyard. All collected data is taken back to Environmental Concern’s headquarters and converted into a detailed design portfolio including cost estimates, technical drawings and topographical maps and material lists.

Step 3: On-going Technical Support and Guidance
AZA and Environmental Concern Inc. are committed to success and will be available to answer any questions that may arise regarding your project Additionally, all MARSH Project schools will have access to online discussion forums which will facilitate peer to peer collaboration. Environmental Concern also publishes a quarterly newsletter just for wetland educators. NOW! News on Wetlands is full of ideas and opportunities to help enhance wetland education programming.

Step 4: Build the Wetland
With design plans in hand, it is time for the schools to put shovels in the students’ hands and plants in the ground. By the end of the project the schoolyard has been transformed into a living classroom.

Step 5: AZA Wildlife Friendly Schoolyard
Through the special partnership between EC and The American Zoological and Aquarium Assocation, any school that completes The MARSH Project will be recognized as a Wildlife Friendly Schoolyard. A commemorative all-weather sign along with a certificate will be issued to the school. Students will sign a pledge to protect the wonders of water by keeping their schoolyard wildlife friendly. In addition, the schools will be featured on AZA and EC national websites as success stories.

SAMPLE TIMELINE
SAMPLE SCOPE OF WORK

Ready to grow? For more information, please contact. Bronwyn Mitchell, Education Director at Dir.educate@wetland.org