Pocket prairie becomes classroom for students
It’s a classroom setting of tall grasses, native plants and Monarch butterflies where Westside High School students are learning lessons with the Katy Prairie Conservancy.
As a Prairie Builder School, Westside High School gets to watch its “pocket prairie,” which is 1.5 acres, flourish with native seeds and grasses that not only bring the landscape to life, but also attract small wildlife and insects.
Grades 9-12 have been able to take advantage of the project they been part of for several years. This reclaimed field that was slated to become a parking lot brings the natural world to students, according to Carolyn Klein, a 15-year veteran environmental science teacher at Westside.
The school works hand in hand with Jaime González, conservation education director for KPC.
Along with González’s guidance, the school has technical assistance, educational tools and support at its disposal to ensure the project’s success.
The experience has been invalu-
able said Klein.
“I use it in my lesson plan, and the art teacher uses it in her curriculum. We get a wide range of activities from the prairie. We’ve tagged Monarch butterflies as they flew through, and the kids really enjoyed that,” she added.
KPC’s goal is educational and outreach programming that introduces the public to the importance of conserving the prairie. Westside is one of 17 schools participating in preserving area prairies throughout Houston, Katy and Cy-Fair independent school districts, according to González. The first prairie project in Houston was at Hermann Park.
Students also participate with planting seeds, pulling invasive species and identifying plants. Area Boy and Girl Scout troops have contributed with service projects and by adding benches around shady oak trees.
The goal is to watch the prairie come to its full potential, González said.
“We give them the guidance on what to put back in and get the prairie patch in place. They’re actually creating habitat. They’re finding a lot of diversity and scientifically monitoring conservation in the city. We’re very much working to restore habitats for Monarchs and other animals,” he said.
The reception for more prairie pockets throughout the greater Houston area is highly enthusiastic. Four school districts and five city parks are all part of the program.
“We get the general public connected. Interest is very, very high, and we’re figuring out how to meet the need. People are hearing our message. They really like the multifaceted story. It gives people a sense of where they live. It’s definitely growing,” said González.
For more information about KPC and Prairie Builder Schools, go to www.katyprairie.org/programs.