National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, is pleased to recognize that Lakewood Park Elementary School in Fort Pierce has successfully created a Certified Schoolyard Habitat® through its Garden for Wildlife® program. Lakewood Park Elementary has joined with over 11,000 schools nationwide that have transformed their schoolyards into thriving wildlife habitats that provide essential elements all wildlife need: natural food sources, clean water, cover, and places to raise young. The habitat also serves as an outdoor classroom where students can engage in cross-curricular learning in a hands-on way.
“We are excited to have another school join our growing list of more than 11,000 certified Schoolyard Habitats. Students can now personally experience nature, protect wildlife, and learn through hands-on experiences in an outdoor environment,” said Liz Soper, Senior Director of K-12 Programs for the National Wildlife Federation.
“We have created a habitat for wildlife in our school garden with a focus on pollinators by providing food, water, and shelter needed for their survival. We hope our garden helps plants, insects, and birds survive and flourish. We also hope that our students learn and become environmental stewards as they develop a love of South Florida’s unique ecosystems,” says school garden director, Beth Campbell. (aka the garden lady)
The habitat features native host and nectar plants which will attract native butterflies and support each stage of the butterfly life cycle. Our garden also offers nesting areas, food and water for birds. Students will be focusing on scientific investigations following the theme: “If you build it, they will come!” and will be actively participating in scientific observations and data collection of the different species of wildlife attracted to the garden, as well as data analysis that will guide future gardening projects. This garden was designed using sustainable gardening practices which reduce the use of fertilizers and water.
