Teaching Students About Backyard Conservation

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• Learn more about birds, data collection, ecology, and environmental science.

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In an effort to make the public aware of ways to “improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife”, the Wildlife Habitat Council created these modules to help students and their families learn about the plants and animals living in their own backyards. Teachers will find that these lessons will “inspire students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations by investigating local ecosystems. They will learn the components of habitat and the specific needs of species such as birds, frogs and butterflies, study the interdependence of plants and animals, recognize invasive species, and understand how community values impact the creation of wildlife habitat.”

These lesson can be taught using nearby natural areas or even your own school yard as outdoor classrooms. Some topics include amphibians and vernal pools, meadow habitats, birds and migration, native plant species, local laws dealing with backyard conservation.

Use the database of community resources for help when using these plans. Resources include “federal agencies, such as the USDA NRCS, state agencies like Natural Heritage Programs, non-governmental organizations, including Native Plant Societies and sources to purchase native plants for restoration.”