Wetlands Learning Laboratory
Campbell Wetlands Learning Lab:
Taking Expeditionary Learning to the Next Level
In 2012, Campbell Elementary School took advantage of a
unique opportunity to expand its hands-on, inquiry-based approach
to education by converting a wet and swampy area of the schoolyard
into a Wetlands Learning Lab. Here are some facts about the
project:
What is the Wetlands Learning Lab?
- A 250 sq. ft. Wildlife Study Zone encompasses an expanded springhead; the area where the water flows out of the ground. A fence to protect flora and fauna surrounds the area allowing for teacher supervised visits. Benches and boulder steppers are incorporated into the study zone to provide safe areas for observation and data collection. Amphibian eggs and other microorganisms from Long Branch Nature Center have been introduced into the habitat.
- A Sand and Play area was created and
edged with logs, stumps and boulders.
- Overflow from the wetland's spring goes into a Dry Stream leading to a Rain Garden and then into a 60x2 foot Vegetated Bio-Swale. The Bio-Swale contains and directs ground water from the natural seeps that occur throughout the area. A bio-swale is a shallow depression created in the earth to accept, convey, and filter water runoff.
- Future plans include a Bird Blind,
a structure that will allow children to observe birds at close
range and Observation Decks in the study
area.
How does the Wetlands Learning Lab advance the goals of Expeditionary Learning?
Campbell is an Expeditionary Learning School. One of the core
practices is the Learning Expedition. A Learning Expedition is an
in-depth investigation designed around a compelling topic.
Expeditions incorporate state Standards of Learning (SOL) into the
curriculum in a hands-on way that is accessible and engaging to
students. The Wetlands Learning Lab will be an important part of
the fieldwork involved in Expeditions. Fieldwork requires students
to visit the same place repeatedly over an extended period of time
to collect data through tools such as interviewing, sketching,
mapping, and observation. Campbell integrates the Wetlands Learning
Lab into its many of its Learning Expeditions. The Wetlands
Learning Lab is a natural extension of the values and beliefs
Campbell holds dear. Specifically, it:
- Provides a venue for students to interact with experts in the fields of ecology, biology, geology, ecosystems, and water systems;
- Help students understand real-life issues around the watershed as it relates to Arlington, Northern Virginia, and the Chesapeake Bay;
- Create opportunities for students to work collaboratively with community partners, such as the Long Branch Nature Center, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, Virginia Land and Water, the Department of Environment Science, Parks and Recreation, and others in our community.
How did we build the Wetlands Learning Lab?
Design Phase
In 2010, the Campbell Schoolyard Committee hired
Landscape Designer, Nancy Striniste of Earthplay
LLC, to help address the problem of water flowing onto the
playground from the spring and seeps. A plan for a Wetlands
Learning Lab was designed. Serious fundraising activities began in
the fall of 2011 and continued into 2012. Fundraising activities
included a community-wide donation appeal, a Winter Benefit Concert
and Silent Auction, a student spelling bee, a bake sale and grants.
Over the course of a year and a half, permission and permits were
obtained from Arlington Public Schools Department of Facilities and
Operations and the Department of Environmental Services. The
construction contract was awarded to Tom Hunt of Green
Earth Landscaping. LLC in the summer of 2012.
Construction Phase
Construction began in September 2012. Tom and his crew amazed
and delighted the students and staff as they watched the progress.
Excavators and bridge building activities were closely observed by
the 4 year old VPI students whose trailer sits adjacent to the
site. Tom and Nancy collaborated throughout the construction phase
to make whatever adjustments were required and tweaked the plan to
suit the site and our needs.
The Big Plant
On October 13, 2012, 200 plus community volunteers planted
more than 560 native plants and trees species into the wetlands
area. The plants were specifically chosen for the site and provided
by Lisa Bright of Earth Sanga. A future eagle
scout and Campbell alumnus, Paul P., coordinated the day with the
help of retired teacher Pat Findikoglu, Lisa and Nancy. Boy Scouts
and parents from Troupe 648 build the seven benches scattered
throughput the area. Long Branch nature Center provided some plants
and tools for the day. Parents, Paul and Jan Gronemeyer, inscribed
names of donors onto boards to be used on the fence and bridge.
Volunteers also removed massive amount of invasive species from the
hillside adjacent to the wetlands. The day was an incredible
display of the community spirit and comittment to Campbell by
staff, students and friends.
The Dedication
Ceremonies
On October 29, 2012 a small dedication ceremony took place at
the Wetlands Site. Remarks were made by the school Principal,
Maureen Nesselrode, the Landscape Designer, Nancy Striniste and Jan
McMahon, a Schoolyard Committee Member. Students sang The
Wetlands Jingle by staff member
Shirley Atkins.
On April 20th, 2013 an Open House will be held to celebrate
the Campbell Wetlands Learning Lab and the Schoolyard. Stay tuned
for information.
Volunteer coordinator:Jessica Haney