Stewards-in-Training
Hewan pelle makers make decisions that affect the environment
If they do not understand how the environment functions7 Rebecca
Grella a lence teacher at Brentwood High School on Long Island,
New York thinks that there is nothing more important than having the
Future generation of policymakers get involved in environmental proj
ets Ms Grella applied for a Toyota TAPESTRY grant that would do Just
that get students outside exploring their surroundings and learning
hobe stewards of the environment.
The area around Brentwood High School is known as the Bishop Tract
Preserve It is one of the last remaining open spaces in the area. In partner
ship with Brookhaven National Laboratory and Suffolk County, students
use G15 geographic information system) technology to sample and moni-
tor a 154 hectare (38 acre) plot within the preserve with an aim to preserv
ing and protecting it for years to come. In particular, the students were
interested in the spread of invasive species, a persistent problem on Long
Island. The data gathered by students were used to inform their commu-
nity members, nature groups, and local government about the status and
health of the preserve. Perhaps more importantly, however, the project
gave students productive and meaningful after-school evnerinnen