Our Wildwood, Summer 2019, Volume 45

“When groups like Wildwood’s 3rd graders come out and assist with habitat restoration, it combines the knowledge of the head with the caring of the heart. Students become stewards of the Ballona Wetlands and gain confidence that they can have a positive impact on environmental issues.” —CAROLYN EVERHART, VOLUNTEER DOCENT WITH FRIENDS OF THE BALLONA WETLANDS

a local and vital ecosystem is invaluable as a scientific teaching tool and extends into the realm of citizenship and activism. Anna wants her students to see that taking action locally has no bounds or age restrictions. “Outdoor classroom experience is where some of the best learning might happen—they get to do a little bit of fieldwork— what a real scientist is doing,” she says. Carolyn Everhart, a volunteer docent with Friends of the Ballona Wetlands, knows the impact of this type of hands-on learning. “Getting students to explore the Ballona Wetlands is such a valuable way to experience science,” she says. “When groups like Wildwood’s 3rd graders come out and assist with habitat restoration, it

combines the knowledge of the head with the caring of the heart. Students become stewards of the Ballona Wetlands and gain confidence that they can have a positive impact on environmental issues.” Another branch of activism comes in the form of nesting boxes. This part of the project incorporates art, science, technology, and data collection. After researching which nesting boxes attract native or migratory birds, students set up shop at the Tec D.E.C. (Wildwood’s elementary campus makerspace) where they laser-cut pieces of wood to build the houses. Once assembled, kids etched species and nesting facts onto the boxes. “I want this project to educate, not just look nice,” Anna stresses. “It’s the idea that the text and images can educate anyone who comes across the nesting box.” SEEING THEIR WORLD DIFFERENTLY In the immersion of ecosystems, Anna and Sam hope that the students will see their world through a slightly different lens, noticing the interconnectedness of it all and knowing their ability to make a hands-on difference in preserving significant (and dwindling) resources. Kids learn that something that may not be initially exciting to look at can hold great value. Ballona Wetlands doesn’t always look pretty. The water is brackish and can be smelly. Mosquitos abound. Not all the animals are warm and fuzzy. But every part is relevant to the ecosystem. It all exists in harmony. By studying ecosystems, students see their integral part in the big picture and that our lives could be radically impacted if we turn a blind eye to the damage caused at the hands of our own species. “The point of this unit is not to be ‘Pollyanna,’” Anna says. “It’s to point out that we can change things.” This is why we should care. W

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OWW SUMMER 2019