Maniscalco Elementary is located in Lutz, a small cozy suburb just north of Tampa. The southern part of the campus has a wetland that shows signs of vandalism and litter. On a recent visit to the area, students were aghast to find over 30 beer cans carelessly strewn about the area. A recycling bin had been placed out there by one conscientious student yet the perpetrators had used it as a cooler of sorts.
After deliberating over several other environmental issues, students decided that the disappearance of wetlands in Florida was a serious enough issue to address. Using aerial photos, students discovered their wetland is connected to a 13-mile creek which runs through the Cypress Creek Watershed.
Students learned more about the biodiversity in their wetland when freshwater wetlands expert Mike Mullins, visited the school and led hands-on activities. With his help, they identified several invasive species that threaten the area and learned that the health of the wetlands is compromised as evidenced by the lack of diverse macroinvertebrates residing in the water. A visit to Crystal Springs Preserve furthered student understanding about the link between wetlands and watershed.
The class decided to address their concerns in the following ways:
1)A committee of students applied for funds through a mini grant offered by SWFWMD which allows students to purchase items needed for an educational outreach to other students at Maniscalco. Juvenile literature, curriculum, tools to use for wetland exploration and a water monitoring kit will allow students to learn about the value of wetlands and the importance of protecting them. As Earth Force student Delaney explains, “Giving our education an extra push can help us save the natural resources”.
2)Students began a program of long-term water monitoring of the wetlands.
3)Students spent a Saturday morning warning people that “stuff” placed in a stormwater drain goes directly to the wetlands. Thirty-three storm drains were marked and over 200 informational hangtags were given out to community members.
4)Students cleaned up the wetland area and made preparations for classes to visit the area. Students are seeking parent involvement to gain funds to build student seating adjacent to the wetlands.
Perhaps the local vandals trespassing upon this pristine area have some lessons to learn about respect of our water resources.
The students in Ms. Leacock’s class wish to thank the following partners: SWFWMD; John McGee, Hillsborough County Stormwater Dept.; Roberta Fernandez, Environmental Advocate; Michael Harrison, Envir. Program Manager; Mike Mullins, Director Audobon Resource Center; Karen Pate, Crystal Springs Preserve and Mrs. Gaddy, Principal Maniscalco.
Students also went on stage to tell thier story at the Youth Summit at Al Lopez Park in April. This can be viewed below.