Gorzycki Middle School worked closely with the National Wildlife Federation to install a native habitat and nature trail. They identified native plants along the trail and partnered with the Boy Scouts to build an arbor and a formal outdoor classroom space. The nature trail offers students a rich learning environment for engaging with nature.

Keys to Success

• Commitment from Austin ISD and Gorzycki MS teachers to the success of the project
• Teachers surveyed the land and created a thorough plan and design
• Projects planned and completed by Boy Scouts
• Funding from grant writing
• Partnership with the National Wildlife Federation
• Sprinkler System for watering maintenance
• Integration of the habitat into the curriculum
• Teachers school wide use the habitat and classroom

Challenges

• Removing Poison Ivy from the area
• Distance from the building
• Transporting supplies and materials
• Overuse necessitated a sign up for use of the area