The Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club (ESC) continues to blend classroom learning with hands-on projects focused on environmental stewardship, health, and real-world skills.
In January, students examined the relative size of living organisms, learning how bacteria and viruses compare to the width of a human hair. The discussion centered on human health and ways to reduce the risk of microbial infection. A follow-up lesson planned for the coming weeks will focus on hygiene and healthy eating, including simple recipes students can prepare at home with their families.
At the club’s most recent meeting, students assembled a rain barrel and a bench that will be installed near the elementary school garden. The rain barrel will collect rainfall to help water flowers and pollinator plants, while the bench—along with a future pergola—will support the development of an outdoor classroom space near the garden.
Students also studied waterfowl, with an emphasis on wood ducks, learning about habitat requirements, identification, and adaptations. Because wood ducks are cavity nesters that rely on human-built nesting structures, students used construction tools and joinery techniques to build wood duck nest boxes. The boxes will be installed this spring at the school land lab, the Myeerah Preserve, and the Kirkmont Center. Students will monitor and maintain the boxes as part of an ongoing conservation effort.
The Environmental Science Club is a partnership between Benjamin Logan Schools and the Logan County Land Trust (LCLT). Participating teachers include Spencer Reames, Ryan Kerns, Bruce Smith—who also works with LCLT—and Bob Stoll of the Logan County Land Trust.
Community members interested in volunteering or donating to the Logan County Land Trust can learn more at LoganCountyLandTrust.org.
