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Waples Mill has a long-term initiative to convert our school yard into something of a native wildlife habitat. Last year 2nd and 4th graders (and their parents) installed a small wetlands by the playground and 1st graders began a modest native tree nursery outside their classrooms. We hope to expand both projects this year. Already numerous butterflies and a few hummingbirds have visited the wetlands, and the trees we planted in the spring are ready to find permanent homes.
We also successfully reared two broods of bluebirds and two broods of tree swallows in the bird boxes you see around school, and lured purple martins to the colonies out back and by the side parking lot, but they did not nest. Next year should be better as they are known as a finicky species. Still, the swallows and martins bring to 75 the number of bird species seen frequenting our school grounds. Plans this year call for a butterfly meadow in front of the school, perhaps with handicap-accessible pathways, a contiguous tree-stump amphitheatre/bird feeding station, more tree plantings (always!), expansion of the tree nursery, marking the local storm drains with a watershed stewardship message, and a continuation of our Chesapeake Bay grasses, shad and monarch butterfly programs.
We also are expanding the outreach to other schools, starting with the tree nursery, for which Waples Mill received a $6500 grant over the summer. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are always welcome. Please contact Sean Duffy at sean.duffy@fcps.edu to volunteer or for more information.
Click here for a slide show of our projects.
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