Science teacher Chris Bellar is starting a different project for his Advanced Biology class this year. In past years, students could take home a small pet to care for. This year, Bellar introduced a pollinator garden.
“We are trying to establish a native area that is educational but also helps the biodiversity of our town and planet,” Bellar said.
Students planned their own design for a pollinator garden, then the class voted on the one to use at the OWL site. Senior Grace Bender’s design won the class vote. Then once the garden was planted, each class member was assigned a plant they are in charge of.
“I’m most excited for the planting of it,” junior Darrek Bishop said. “I’m more of a physical labor kind of person. I’m ready for us to start digging and planting.”
Some students said this project will be beneficial for students’ mental health.
“I think it can be beneficial because it gives another place for students to relax and enjoy the garden,” junior Faith Rivera said.
One of the reasons Bellar decided to go forward with this project is because he was able to get some funding help from a program.
“There was a grant with the Kansas native plant society where they help you establish a pollinator garden,” Bellar said. “It sounded like a perfect project for my advanced biology class.”
After some time, Bellar and the students said they think the pollinator garden will really come together.
“I think it will turn out really cool in the end,” Bishop said. “Right now it might not appear the greatest, but after a couple years, it will be nice.”
