According to a report by NatureServe, over one-third of species and ecosystems in the United States are at risk of disappearing. Land conservation is more important than ever, which is why land trusts are valuable resources for the community, helping prevent further degradation and unnecessary development of available green spaces. These conserved green spaces may serve as habitat corridors, floodplains, recreational spaces, and place-based learning. Investigating ways to increase species richness and ecological function is important for successful land conservation after acquisition, and we decided to partner with a local high school to engage the next generation!
Join Allegheny Land Trust, Shaler Area High School Sustainability Club, and Co-Nectar Flora to Table Education to learn how we collaborated on a DEP Environmental Education Grant and involved students in a habitat restoration project at Girty’s Woods. We will share activities, resources, victories, and pitfalls with project planning.