The Fight Against Buckthorn

Facing a growing threat of buckthorn - a tall non-native shrub that spreads aggressively, forcing out local flora, including tree saplings - students did an issue analysis, community education program, and cleanup projects. The students divided themselves into action groups to research and respond to the problem, with different groups educating elementary students, conducting public surveys, contacting media outlets, and designing a brochure for a river bluff specialist. In the spring, the students helped the county Parks Department with a buckthorn removal project.

To reflect on their work, students discussed and wrote about issues relating to buckthorn. For their final reflection activity, they worked in groups to create and share reports about their experiences. At the end of the school year, the students celebrated their accomplishments with a party.