Dover Intermediate School certified as a WILD School Site
Dover Intermediate School in Cuyahoga County was recently dedicated as a WILD School Site, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Wild School sites are supplementary education programs created by schools where students, teachers and the community can come together and learn about wildlife and the environment. Dover Intermediate School is the 208th WILD School Site in Ohio and the 10th in Cuyahoga County.
Dover Intermediate School boasts an extensive native plant garden that doubles as a dynamic land lab. Students and educators engage in projects aimed to foster environmental stewardship and hands-on learning, including vegetable composting, bird baths, and native flower cultivation. An on-site pond allows students to learn about aquatic ecosystems. These habitats support amphibians, birds, insects, reptiles and small mammals, providing firsthand insight to the balance of ecosystems.
Teachers use the native garden and pond as a focal point for learning, integrating core subjects such as math, science, social studies, art and music into an outdoor curriculum. Through outdoor exploration, students witness everyday subjects come to life, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while nurturing their physical and mental well-being. Dover Intermediate School’s commitment to environmental education will be an invaluable resource for hands-on, experiential learning for years to come.
The WILD School Sites program, administered in Ohio by the Division of Wildlife, is considered an action extension of the national Project WILD program. Any educational property used by students, educators and the local community as a place to learn about and benefit from wildlife and the environment can be certified. The sites function within the premise that every site, regardless of size and location, can provide outdoor educational opportunities that can and should be part of an integrated environmental education program.
WILD School Sites that demonstrate program development and site enhancement consistent with the premises outlined in this program are eligible for certification as an official Ohio WILD School Site. Learn more about WILD School Sites and outdoor education opportunities at wildohio.gov.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
Join ODNR in celebrating 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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