JMS Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom
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What an amazing club day!  Thanks to the thorough organization and dedication of the students, multiple tasks were completed in just 30 minutes of club time.  Student volunteers did the following: filled bird feeders, watered fragile new trees, planted rescued daffodils, found good dirt for new tree holes, dug post-holes for new bird houses, fixed and supported the habitat fence, relocated an earthworm, and finally…searched for signs of spring.

Students, parents, and school staff were again hard at work in the JMS Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom. On Saturday January 20^th, 2007, twenty two volunteers, including a mother, JMS son, and JHS daughter team, planted 16 plants generously donated by Eastside Ornamentals. The top soil was courtesy Dills Trucking and 211 Inert Landfill, and the holes were dug by local landscaper and JCS parent Bobby Wilkins. Several evergreens, such as southern magnolia and American holly, were added to the habitat, as well as 10-foot sawtooth and shumard oaks. These oaks are particularly valuable as wildlife plants because they produce acorns at only year four and hold their dead leaves during winter, providing cover for birds.

“We planted lots of trees, like magnolias and poplars, and I found a rock in the shape of Georgia. I carved Jefferson, Atlanta, and the North Georgia Mountains in it,” explained 7^th grader Madison Gilmer about his day. When asked why he chose to attend, 7^th grader Felix Silva replied, “To help the environment, to have fun with my friends, and it even helped me study for my plants test!” Students saw first hand the root system of each plant and applied knowledge about the anchoring function of roots as they used hammers, stakes, and rope to stabilize the large, top-heavy oaks.

Not only were plants added, but a bird feeder was installed with the help of a student’s father, and students extended the hiking trail and improved the landscaping in the front section. 7^th grader Jesselyn Armstrong, when asked what her favorite part of the day was, stated, “My favorite part was planning the magnolia tree with Mrs. McAuley’s mom and the holly bush with her and my dad. We put leaves around the trees and fixed the rock wall around it.”

With motivation and commitment from so many diverse volunteers, the JMS Habitat will continue to improve. The next steps are more plantings, preparations for wildflower seeding, and interpretive signs researched by Habitat Club members.

Once again progress is underway at the Jefferson Middle School (JMS) Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom.  Last year the Habitat club began transforming an empty, barren lot into a unique educational setting and wildlife haven.  Students, parents, teachers, staff, scouts, and generous local businesses have all contributed services and materials.  Not only have native plants been reintroduced, we have also established a nature trail, constructed a seating area for classes, and installed bird houses and feeders.  This effort has not only attracted wildlife to JMS but has provided students with a hands-on, authentic educational resource.  A variety of classes, from art to science to language arts, are utilizing this site to enhance learning and motivate students to improve their community.  

Last Saturday, students, scouts, parents, teachers, and staff planted a total of  81 trees in the habitat.  The trees were donated by Angel Creek Nursery in Bishop, top soil was donated by 211 Inert Landfill and delivered by Roger Dills of Dills Trucking, and holes were dug by Oakridge Landscaping and Bobby Wilkins of Great Expectations Landscaping.  JMS is thankful to all those who have contributed to this exciting, ongoing project.