Surface Water Management Division

Challenger Elementary Native Plant Interpretive Trail

Challenger Elementary students are growing their own science lab with the help of Snohomish County Surface Water Management.

The students in Joanne Burkett’s fourth grade science program planted native plants that will be used as an interpretive trail and for a variety of science lessons. The planting was the student’s final project in a month-long study of the native plants and the environment. During the month the students studied watersheds and streams, researched the historical use of native plants, and learned how native plants help improve water quality. The students’ next step is to use their native plant research to design and write an interpretive trail guide. Once complete the interpretive trail will be a living science lab that will allow the students to study the interrelationship between native plants, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and their local urban drainage systems.

View the slide show the students created about their Native Plant Trial Project(external link).

For more information about this or similar programs, contact: Suzi Wong Swint at 425-388-6476.