FARLEY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SCHOOLYARD HABITAT FACTS
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Development of a habitat-based learning site takes steps to restore the native plant and animal community, our connection with the natural environment, and school/community ties.
---- National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org)
Schoolyard Habitat Area: 40+ acres consisting of a large sandy hill, two wetland areas, and several meadows.
Trail Length: 3,740 linear feet (nearly 3⁄4 mile)
Habitat Features: Mulched trails with posted maps; native grasses area; native wildflower area; meadows; and two wetland areas (one featuring a boardwalk and pond observation deck).
Habitat Use: Classroom activities have included nature walks and observation, seed collecting, tree planting, water ecosystem study with pond water sampling, and poetry writing inspired by nature.
Recognition:
In 2004, the Schoolyard Habitat Team received the Livingston Conservation District’s Conservationist of the Year Award, recognizing the hard work of dozens of Schoolyard Habitat Team members and hundreds of Farley Hill families over the previous 5 years.
In 2005, the Farley Hill Elementary Schoolyard Habitat was officially certified in the National Wildlife Federation’s worldwide network of habitat-based learning sites. The site is recognized for its environmentally responsible planning, landscaping, and gardening, and its support of wildlife and learning.
In 2007 and 2008, Farley Hill Elementary School received the Green Schools Award, which recognizes conservation-minded practices such as recycling paper, reusing magazines and newspapers, and monitoring and reducing energy consumption.

Brief History: Farley Elementary Schoolyard Habitat
The Farley Hill Elementary Schoolyard Habitat was initiated in 1999 and is based on the National Wildlife Federation's Schoolyard Habitat program. Farley Hills Schoolyard Habitat has two goals:

• To re-establish native plant and animal life on the school grounds.
• To help educate the children of Farley Hill Elementary by creating an awareness and enjoyment of the natural resources available to them.

A Master Plan was developed by a team of Farley Hill staff, students, and parents; local business people; and local conservation experts. Guided by the Master Plan, Farley Hill staff, students, and parents, along with community volunteers, have accomplished the following:

• Planted hundreds of white pine seedlings and red cedar to form a shelterbelt to block the wind, and provide food and shelter for many species of animals.
• Planted more than 200 mixed oak and hardwood trees to reestablish a native oak savanna.
• Established a large wildflower meadow and a native prairie to provide food and winter cover.
• Constructed a 3⁄4-mile nature trail, which includes a boardwalk with observation deck to provide student access to a natural pond within a wetland area.
• Installed interpretive signposts with trail maps throughout habitat.

Funding
Funding for the Habitat Project was derived from student activities and many outside sources including grants from Wal Mart, the Wild One's Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund, and the USDA's Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.