A Natural Community

Throughout the spring semester, MPA Blake Cohort students utilized birds as a model to study climate change and its impacts. Before diving further into avian biology and the unique characteristics that make birds so cool and diverse, MPA students started by learning the basics of birding and bird species ID.  Additionally, as a service-learning project, students surveyed, designed, and planned the Pollinator Garden complete with plant species native to New Hampshire!

Lead by MPA Faculty member Emily Tomak, MPA students were instructed as to how to plan, prepare, and implement each step of the multi-faceted project.

Before breaking ground, students proposed their plan to MPA Head of Schools Jay Marshall and Pike Academic Principal, Carl Chambers.

Students learned the importance of maintaining vast biodiversity with largely native species to provide birds and pollinators with easily recognizable food sources. Everything from material costs to geography and landscape considerations, the needed background education in the applicable sciences, and the overall aesthetic were part of the interactive learning process. Websites that simulated varying conditions and environmental impacts for the planned space were used as well.

 

Through experiments and projects, students recognized first-hand how climate change occurs and how it can impact not only birds, but every living thing on the planet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The completed garden space provides an important stop for wildlife and can be utilized as a safe outdoor space for students.