Landscaping Projects
Stewardship—Landscaping Projects
Summary: In the previous topic guides, students learned about the human impacts affecting land and water ecosystems. In this topic guide, students take action to improve or restore a local area to improve the health of the ecosystem.
Concepts to teach: Ecosystem, habitat, stewardship, sustainability, invasive species, erosion
Goals: Students plan improvements to a local outdoor area that will improve the health of the ecosystem by reducing erosion, turbidity, water waste, the spread of invasive species, or other similar impacts. Students carry out the project and plan for its sustainability over time.
Standards:
S6.2L.2, S6.4D.1, S6.4D.2
S7.4D.1, S7.4D.2
S8.4D1, S8.4D.2, S8.4D.3
Specific Objectives:
- Work with school and/or local officials to identify a restoration/enhancement project that will improve the health of the ecosystem.
- Devise a budget and work plan for the activity.
- Assess and report impacts from the project to the community.
Activity Links and Resources:
- Identify and remove invasive species
- WISE project examples
- The SOLVE Invasive Plants page links to current volunteer projects available and guidance for starting new projects
- For rainy areas in Oregon: Create a Rain Garden
- OSU Extension Rain Garden guide
- Detailed resources from Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
- For dry areas of Oregon: Plant drought-resistant plant species and practice water conservation at home
- Landscape design and rain garden resources from the City of Bend
- Become a NOAA Ocean Guardian classroom by conducting a stewardship project in your local watershed. See examples of school-based conservation projects for ideas.
- Oregon Coast Quests
Assessment:
- Identify a local restoration/enhancement project and describe how its implementation will improve the health of the ecosystem.
- Present a budget and work plan for the restoration/enhancement project.
