Hillside becomes

work in progress

for biology classes

District 88 gets

$15,000 grant to rejuvenate hillside

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM --New Ulm High School biology students will gain hands-on practical experiences as they revamp the district's hillside property on Garden Street, behind the school.

As part of a Environmental Partnership grant through the Department of Natural Resources, and a matching grant through Partners in Kind, biology teacher John Olson, received $15,000 to clean up the hillside.

"I was very excited to receive the grant," Olson said. "It's fun to have a little money to work with to rejuvenate the hillside and get students involved with the project."

Olson plans a variety of activities for the students.

"We're going to try to cut down trees not valuable for wildlife and put in other trees and shrubs that might be more fun to see," Olson said. "The grant provided money to hire people to do the cutting and to use the heavy equipment. The students will plant the trees and help clear the area for plants next spring."

Olson said this project is valuable because students can follow the work on the hillside for years to come.

"Next spring, we'll have the planting of new trees and shrubs and add more of a variety of plants that will be more attractive to birds and mammals," Olson said.

Students from field biology classes will work on the hillside. As part of an assignment, they will submit a proposal on how to manage the area.

Olson established goals for the hillside project.

"We would like to make more trails and signs to help people identify things and maybe make a miniature nature center close to the school," Olson said. "We also may try to get some bird feeders and bird houses set up."

Students will learn what kind of plants are attractive to wildlife, where to plant them, what type of moisture is needed and how much sunlight is needed.

"Students will be able to learn the reason behind what they're doing," Olson said. "The project will take a little time to complete as the students won't see the benefits right away."

Olson appreciates the hillside's close proximity to the school and its value as a teaching tool.

"It'll be nice to be able to see more things out there," Olson said. "With the cost of busing, field trips and other things, it's nice to have an area that is easily accessible, and we can utilize our surroundings."

Even though Monday was the first day students worked on the hillside, they appreciated the chance to get out of the classroom.

"I like biology and working outside with my hands -- getting them dirty," said junior Josh Fischer, while spreading out woodchips for a nature trail. "I get to learn about bugs and animals and can get a first-hand look at things."

Students feel working outside and gaining practical experiences are more valuable than sitting in a classroom.

"I think that learning outside is definitely more effective, but not necessarily all the time," said senior Amy Urberg. "I like to be outside and see how everything works. I like learning something new and getting out of the classroom."

Olson hopes what students learn from the hillside project will be carried with them into the future.

"The student volunteers will gain environmental awareness, appreciation and personal satisfaction in creating something of value that endures beyond their school years," said Olson.