| |
Oakcrest
High School students recently broke ground on a wildlife habitat
that has been in the works for the past year. The project is made
possible through a grant from the Cape Atlantic Conservation District
The
Wildlife Habitat project, led by Science Teacher Kristine Demark,
is located outside of the 400 wing near the school’s bus
loop. According to Demark, the purpose of this project was to increase
the native plants that have been cleared out for development. “This
increases the absorption of fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals
that usually end up in waterways through the storm runoff,” she
explained. “The wildlife habitat also increases places for
the native species, such as birds, bats, amphibians and reptiles,
to nest and live in.”
Oakcrest’s
Sea and Shore Ecology students participated in the creation of
the area. “It was fun. I learned how to properly space out
plants so their roots have room to grow,” commented Malcolm
Cooper, senior.
After
waiting for a year to begin digging and planting these native plants,
the project proved interesting and worth the wait. “I am
so excited to begin putting these plans into action. Last year
Stacey Culleny’s (OHS math teacher) and my classes helped
to create the plans. This year several classes are learning how
to read plans, take measurements, put plants in the ground, and
work as a team. We are very thankful to the Cape Atlantic Conservation
District for this grant,” said Demark.
For
more information, contact:
For photo information, contact Kristine Demark at kdemark@geh.nj.k12us.com
Darlene Kopania, Journalism Department
Oakcrest High School
609-909-2631
|
