Restoring the Woods in Our Own Backyard

By Aviva L. ‘16
Although winter approaches, Beth Tfiloh's Environmental Club already begins to plan its major spring project: restoring BT's protected woods. To do so, the club needs to plan everything from clearing invasive species to planting new, beneficial native plants.

Last Friday, Maryland state forester Mr. Rob Prenger visited BT and met with Environmental Club members. This sprouted a relationship BT hopes to continue to grow with Mr. Prenger as the club works toward accomplishing its ambitious goals for 2014. Mr. Prenger spoke to the students about his work and presented past projects of other schools supported by his mentorship. The students studied a landscape architect's draft of another school's grounds, visualizing their own ideas for BT's woods. Following this, the club members led Mr. Prenger to the site, eagerly showing him the issues in need of addressing and the beloved trees in need of greater protection. Sharing their unique ideas with Mr. Prenger, the students conceptualized a plan to incorporate everyone's hopes for these forgotten parts of our campus bursting with potential. The meeting could not have been more fruitful.

Inspired by Mr. Prenger's invaluable experience and knowledge, club members have already begun to draft architectural plans and native plant lists to ensure the success of this enormous endeavor. This project will help Beth Tfiloh reach its goal to be awarded with MAEOE Green School Certification. Certainly, a challenging, yet promising, year lies ahead for BT High School’s extraordinary Environmental Club.