Homeless birds now have a place to rest their weary wings thanks to a group of caring students at Lakeville Elementary.
Last week, fourth-grade members of the school’s Earth Club constructed 11 birdhouses, which will be used to establish two bird sanctuaries at Lakeville.
‘We’re going to have food, shelter and water for the birds,? said Tina Young, a PTO volunteer involved with the club.
Home Depot donated the birdhouse kits, aprons and two employees to help the kids assemble the houses.
Founded last year for students in grades 3-5, Lakeville’s Earth Club is working hard around the school to save the world and raise environmental awareness.
The club started a recycling program for batteries, paper and plastic bottles. The group adopted a foreign endangered animal, a jaguar from Africa, and a local endangered animal, a barn owl at the Howell Nature Center.
In the school’s courtyard, the club planted a Michigan nature garden.
‘It’s all native plants that don’t require special watering or special food,? Young explained. ‘They should survive in Michigan weather on their own.?
Each grade group within the club is also working on a different project.
Just as the fourth-graders did birdhouses, the third-graders are working on constructing a solar-powered cooking device.
And the fifth-graders are educating students and spreading awareness by keeping the school informed of the club’s activities during the daily announcements.
Currently, the club consists of about 38 dedicated members. ‘The kids have to give up their recess and eat lunch with the club in order to join,? Young noted.
The club’s goal is to have Lakeville become a Michigan Emerald School.
Michigan Green School status is achieved by successful participation in at least 10 of 20 specific pro-green activities designated by the state. Schools that participate in at least 15 of the 20 listed activities can be designated as Michigan Emerald Schools.
‘You only have to get 10 points to be Green. We know we can do more than that,? Young said.