Seventh-grade students from Carol Steiner's and Mike Gillen's
science classes helped several volunteers from the P/A 319 Project
remove exotic plants, plant native species and install wood
chip paths along Stretch 2 of Axtell
Creek. The students gained a hands-on understanding of the biodiversity
and beauty of native riparian flora and fauna. As the native
plants grow, the students can track their progress and observe
the associated wildlife and creek water quality improvements.
A rain garden to treat rooftop
runoff from the school was also installed to protect Axtell
Creek. Students helped to plant native vegetation in the garden.
Many volunteers have been involved in the Axtell Creek projects,
including the Kalamazoo
Chapter of the WildOnes,
Kalamazoo Greenspaces, the Kalamazoo
Nature Center, the City
of Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo
Conservation District, and many others!
