Artful Alabama: Field Studies in America's Amazon

On Friday, Mona Dominguez traveled to Ardmore to train our Naturalist Studies teens as certified water chemistry monitors through Alabama Water Watch. This is a state-approved, stackable credential.  Alabama is number one in the nation for freshwater biodiversity, with over 132,000 miles of rivers and streams. The 4-H AWW program is giving our students the opportunity to assume an active role in preserving this precious resource. They are mastering new skills, gaining awareness of natural resource issues and enjoying time outdoors. Certified students will be able to check out our chemistry testing kit and adopt a testing site. They will work in pairs to gather and report data from local streams and rivers. This certification will help us meet our goals of becoming involved in citizen science initiatives and making a difference in our community.

Ardmore Naturalist Studies class visited Monte Sano State Park to learn the lost art of longleaf basketry from DeSoto park naturalist Brittney Hughes.  This is part of a literacy-based project designed by Ardmore media specialist Ashley Daly. Last year, she wrote a grant to support our naturalist students with research materials and programming. This arts-integrated unit teaches students about Alabama’s longleaf ecosystem through literature, art, history and science while reintroducing traditional skills (such as pine needle basketry).  This series of instruction honors Alabama’s bicentennial by celebrating the diversity of nature in the state. Longleaf pine is the state tree of Alabama.  Stay tuned for more to come from this exciting curricular unit!