What was once a shallow dirt pit in the back of a classroom on the former Quail Hollow Elementary School campus has now been transformed into a functioning wetland.
Community members, as well as students and parents from SLV Homeschool, gathered to help install a wetland at the Quail Hollow campus on Thursday, Oct. 16.
The installment of the pond was led by wildlife biologist and wetland ecologist Tom Biebighauser, who guided third through fifth grade SLV Homeschool students and parents to its completion with the help of Save the Frogs staff.
A grant from the Save the Frogs nonprofit organization made the creation of the wetlands possible, said SLV Homeschool Teacher and Principal Rhonda Schlosser.
Biebighauser and Save the Frogs are working together to install seven different wetlands at schools and on private property throughout Northern California, and SLV Homeschool was one of the seven sites approved, said Save the Frogs founder and executive director Dr. Kerry Kriger.
“This wetland is going to be a wonderful asset to the school,” Biebighauser explained, “it’s going to be beautiful to look at, it’s going to provide a habitat for dragonflies, salamanders, frogs, and toads … but, more importantly, it’s going to provide a wonderful outdoor classroom for the school.”
Kriger pointed out that over 90 percent of California’s wetlands have been drained. This habitat destruction is causing the endangerment and disappearance of frogs, amphibians, and other wetland wildlife.
“Our mission is to protect amphibian populations and to promote a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife,” he said. “By creating and restoring wetlands in schools, we not only create frog habitats, but also get to educate a lot of kids about amphibians.”
The newly established pond will develop into a functioning wetland once the rains begin and wildlife is drawn to the area, Kriger explained.
It will be a seasonal pond, which dries up during the warm months and is only 14 inches deep, Biebighauser added.
Schlosser said that she has been teaching her students about amphibian habitats and how to support the ecosystem that allows them to thrive in preparation for this installment. Over 300 SLV Homeschool students will share the new wetlands as part of their education.
“Sustainability and being stewards of the land is something that all of our programs have in common,” she said.
SLV Homeschool student Oceana Raynor, said that she enjoyed participating in the pond’s installment.
“I think it’s a cool project and I think it will really help the frogs in the area … and will help the kids to learn more about amphibians and frogs,” she said.
Once the waterproof and nontoxic liner is laid down and covered with dirt, branches and logs will be placed around the wetlands so birds and dragonflies can perch, and turtles can have a basking site, Biebighauser said. Native plant species will also be included in the installation.
“We really appreciate the reptile and amphibian conservancy as well as save the frogs for making this possible,” he said.
