Local urban landscapes are losing native biodiverse habitats, contributing to the severe decline of native pollinators like the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis). Additionally, our 6th-grade students often feel disconnected from the wildlife around them and lack awareness of how local ecosystem health directly impacts their immediate neighborhood.
Using Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots 4-step framework, students will investigate native prairie ecosystems, assess local pollinator habitats, and lead a community-wide advocacy campaign. We hope to do this by: Practice "slow looking" techniques using the HomeStories format to observe local insects without rushing. Learn macro photography skills to capture insect details and tell impactful scientific stories for local wildlife advocacy. Log encounters on citizen science platforms (iNaturalist), scanning specifically for bumble bee band patterns to spot native pollinators. Work with local forest preserve partners to collect baseline data on native vs. invasive flowering plants. Plant native perennial species (Goldenrod, Prairie Clover, Bergamot) that bloom across late summer and fall to support bee foraging. Share findings with families during a schoolwide Citizen Science Night and present pollinator protection ideas to local community leaders.
