3. Birds & Project-based Learning

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists: 

Birds & Project Based Learning on Skiff Mountain, Kent, CT

Laurie Doss, 

Science Department Chair

The Marvelwood School

Kent, CT 06757 

laurie.doss@marvelwood.org

https://www.marvelwood.org 

The source presentation deck of slides is available here, 

if you click on this link:   COA_SKIFF MOUNTAIN BIRDS & PBL 2021 - Google Slides

This presentation begins at the 51 minute mark of the video recording of the presentation:   COA's Birds and the Environment Science Conference - Online - YouTube

The Marvelwood School is an intentionally small school in the northwest corner of Connecticut.  The school has a strong history of conservation work in the local community as part of their science curriculum and community service programs. We have always tried to engage and inspire the next generation of conservationists via their experiences at Marvelwood.  In partnership with the Kent Land Trust, Marvelwood students and faculty  have operated MAPS banding stations on property adjacent to the school since 2001.  Student driven data obtained from these banding operations helped to prevent the development of sensitive habitat near the school  and was key in the designation of a landscape level Important Bird Area (The Macedonia Forest Block). Via their banding efforts and surveys, students have documented 148 species utilizing the Skiff Mountain area.  They have helped the land trust raise awareness about birds utilizing the Skiff Mountain South Preserve and managed habitat for sensitive species, including creating a forest gap for breeding Cerulean Warblers  They also worked to soften edges by planting native species and used their artistic skills to create educational signage.

Marvelwood and Kent Land Trust  have also participated with students in numerous  University of Connecticut Natural Resources Conservation Academy programs involving birds.  Students  also have utilized their avian knowledge to create ESRI Story Maps and helped document species for the Connecticut Bird Atlas Project.  The purpose of these experiential learning opportunities has always been to increase student exposure to birds and their conservation needs. They are taught that their actions can make a difference both locally and globally.  To quote David Attenborough, “No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” Finally we hope that our projects inspire other educators in the state to engage in Project -based Learning with their students centered around birds and conservation.