Connecticut Audbon Society

November 2013: Greens Farms Academy Students Work With Connecticut Audubon Society on Forest Health Study

November 25, 2013 – Two-dozen environmental science students at Greens Farms Academy in Westport are collaborating with Connecticut Audubon Society during the 2013-2014 school year on a project designed to give the students hands-on experience in conservation field studies.

The students, who are studying Environmental Science under teacher Sue Teyan, are investigating and comparing forest conditions in a Connecticut Audubon sanctuary adjacent to Greens Farm Academy with conditions at Connecticut Audubon’s Larsen sanctuary in Fairfield.

The forest health investigation project began last month and will continue through the year. It is being overseen by Tracy Haswell, chair of Greens Farms Academy’s Upper School Science Department, and Michelle Eckman, director of education for Connecticut Audubon Society. Anthony Zemba, Connecticut Audubon’s director of conservation services, is helping guide the students through their fieldwork.

The project is part of Connecticut Audubon’s SOAR program (Student Opportunity for Authentic Research).

The students started their fieldwork last month by collecting data on forest health. They measured the condition of tree crowns in the forest, looking at leaves for signs of spotting and discoloration; noted the presence or absence of lichen; made observations on the color, compaction and texture of soils; and surveyed wildlife diversity.

They will analyze the data in the classroom and design research to investigate in greater detail.

“By monitoring variables such as tree diversity and crown condition, lichen presence or absence, soil quality and wildlife variability, students will be able to determine the overall health and biodiversity of a disturbed forest and compare it with the Larsen Sanctuary’s old growth forest,” Sue Teyan said.

The collaboration with Greens Farms Academy helps Connecticut Audubon carry out its mission of conserving Connecticut’s environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and habitats.

“We are committed to the idea that by educating students we are helping to prepare the next generation of conservationists,” Michelle Eckman said. “In the last year alone we’ve expanded our education program to include schools in Fairfield, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Meriden and now Westport, and we’ll be including East Hartford and Manchester in the near future.”

The GFA-Connecticut Audubon collaboration was the result of meetings and discussions that began last year, Haswell said.

“This is just the beginning in terms of potential collaborative projects between GFA and Connecticut Audubon,” she said.

 

 

 

 

 

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