The 'Living Classroom' Wetland Project at Valleycliffe Elementary
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From a grass field to a living and breathing wetland
The Living Classroom wetland was built on the school grounds of Valleycliffe Elementary. From a grass field, it was turned into a wetland that is now full of creatures and processes in nature to learn about. It is a place that fosters curiosity of sciences and life in a natural environment.
Objectives
To create an ephemeral wetland for amphibians and in turn, will provide habitat for various other species to thrive.
What is an Ephemeral Wetland?
It is a wetland that holds water seasonally. The Living Classroom is rainwater or snow melt-water fed. The benefit of having this wetland dry or have very little water in it during certain months of the year (summer period) is so that species who must live in water cannot survive - such as fish. If fish lived in the wetland, they would call the larvae and tadpoles a nice dinner!
It is also beneficial to have ephemeral wetlands so that native species of B.C. who are adapted to these drying conditions will continue to thrive, and those who are exotic, like the invasive bullfrog, cannot survive. To learn more about invasive species, visit our friends from the Sea-to-Sky Invasive Species Council.
What is an Ephemeral Wetland?
It is a wetland that holds water seasonally. The Living Classroom is rainwater or snow melt-water fed. The benefit of having this wetland dry or have very little water in it during certain months of the year (summer period) is so that species who must live in water cannot survive - such as fish. If fish lived in the wetland, they would call the larvae and tadpoles a nice dinner!
It is also beneficial to have ephemeral wetlands so that native species of B.C. who are adapted to these drying conditions will continue to thrive, and those who are exotic, like the invasive bullfrog, cannot survive. To learn more about invasive species, visit our friends from the Sea-to-Sky Invasive Species Council.
Works Completed
- Created a lined, ephemeral wetland with a fence that fosters learning for students and provides habitat for amphibians, and other species.
- Built and installed a bat house for the species of bats in BC that normally utilize wetlands to feed on insects.
- Constructed a bee hotel with students.
- Planted a vegetable garden and plants for pollinators.
- Sectioned area for a gathering circle for activities.
- Create an Indigenous Plant Trail.
Indigenous Plant Trail
On 27 April 2019, the students, teachers, and PAC members of Valleycliffe Elementary along with Squamish Nation members invited the community to help open a new trail in the Living Classroom. Squamish elder Linda Williams (Kwawaxnkwuthenux) and Charlene Williams from the Squamish Nation blessed the new trail with a beautiful song of thanks. The trail consists of signage artwork by Art Harry, a Squamish Nation artist, and students from Valleycliffe Elementary. Over 400 native plants with Indigenous uses were added to the Living Classroom.
On 27 April 2019, the students, teachers, and PAC members of Valleycliffe Elementary along with Squamish Nation members invited the community to help open a new trail in the Living Classroom. Squamish elder Linda Williams (Kwawaxnkwuthenux) and Charlene Williams from the Squamish Nation blessed the new trail with a beautiful song of thanks. The trail consists of signage artwork by Art Harry, a Squamish Nation artist, and students from Valleycliffe Elementary. Over 400 native plants with Indigenous uses were added to the Living Classroom.
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What critters call the Living Classroom "home"?
Many creatures now use the Living Classroom to feed, grow, breed, and hide! Some critters you might find include:
- Invertebrates like diving beetles, mites, and water striders
- Insects like dragonflies, moths, and bees
- Amphibians like frogs and salamanders
- Reptiles like alligator lizards and garter snakes
- Birds like robins and great blue herons
- Mammals like bats, voles, and squirrels