School grounds can be used for the dual purpose of enhancing student learning and increasing the biodiversity of organisms

This article provides an overview of the Schaus Swallowtail Habitat Enhancement Project, which included restoring habitat for an endangered butterfly in Biscayne National Park and establishing new habitat in school gardens. The Schaus Swallowtail is one of many butterfly species experiencing significant population reductions, primarily due to loss of habitat.

A group of volunteers – including college and high school students – worked with personnel from the National Park Service and Florida International University to remove exotic plants and replant native butterfly-attracting plants in Biscayne National Park. An educational outreach component of the project involved 5 public schools in south Florida. In addition to informing students about the Schaus Swallowtail, another primary goal of this outreach component was to thwart “extinction of experience” in nature for school children. Another goal was to increase the number and size of native-plant butterfly gardens at schools and homes. Participating teachers implemented a related curriculum which included applied activities modeled on the habitat enhancement project in Biscayne National Park in the classroom and on school grounds. Goals of the curriculum included promoting academic achievement and environmental stewardship.

Participating schools engaged students in the school gardens and used field guides to identify and count various butterfly species. The project enabled students of all ages to conduct butterfly counts independently. Students assumed ownership of different aspects of the projects, shared information with others, and worked as scientists themselves. Results of pre- and post-surveys indicated that butterflies increased in abundance.

The school gardens continue to be maintained by new and veteran students; and teachers continue to use the gardens to enhance lessons in science and other subject areas, including mathematics, writing, and art. Benefits of the gardens include enhanced academic achievement, social capital, environmental quality, and opportunities for student-driven ownership. Additionally, students who value habitat preservation for wildlife in their school garden are more likely to become protective of the plants they nurtured.

This service-learning project illustrates how schools can raise awareness and motivate people to think globally by acting locally. It also illustrates how school grounds can be used for the dual purpose of enhancing student learning and increasing the biodiversity of organisms.