Students in AP Environmental Science have been conducting field study work around Upper Campus, and they've determined that more biodiversity is needed.
Tim Beagle, district division chair of science, said students investigated around Upper Campus, collecting samples and cataloging from an open area near the western property line. They also looked at Cold Springs Park, which is east of Upper Campus. Beagle said the owner of Harms Farm allowed the students access to the park through the Harms Farm property.
In their environmental science classes, students learn that a healthy ecosystem or environment is characterized by a high degree of biodiversity. Biodiversity is a measure of the number of different species naturally occurring in a particular area. Those species are cataloged and a mathematical value is assigned based on the abundance of different species.
Students used the collected data to mark how "healthy" the two areas are. The data suggests that Cold Springs Park is extremely healthy, while the upper campus grounds could use more biodiversity along the western property line, Beagle said.
Beagle said he really appreciates Harms Farm for allowing students to conduct the research project.