By Devin Sherrill, Bryant Public Schools Communication Director
Hill Farm Elementary was presented a grant from the Arkansas Game and Fish Schoolyard Habitat Program on Thursday, April 14. Grant funds totaled $3,102.
Through Project WILD, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission awards the grants based on wildlife habitat, student participation and use of native species. The program is funded by the state’s conservation license plate sales.
Pat Knighton, Project WILD Coordinator, made the grant presentation.
Hill Farm’s grant will fund two habitat projects: a butterfly garden and a bird sanctuary. The butterfly garden will be located in the school courtyard and will be cared for and maintained by students under the guidance of teachers Kelly Lloyd and Jennie Tombrello. Students will spend time observing, discussing and writing about the host and nectar plants and the life cycle of butterflies.
The bird habitat will encourage bird watching and allow students to participate in the AGFC Wings Over Arkansas program which records bird species. Students will be able to observe this habitat from both inside the classroom and the outdoor area. The habitats will be used in writing, math and science standards.
Two fourth grade classrooms were involved in the project. In the grant application Mrs. Lloyd, project coordinator for Hill Farm stated, “Students scouted and researched ideas for possible schoolyard habitats. They were careful to consider the needs of the butterflies and birds so they could flourish naturally.”
The Bryant High School FCCLA chapter has pledged their support along with Saline County Extension Office Master Gardeners.