Picture here on left Hunter Showalter, middle Anthony Baxter, right Brooke Sinn using the Paulding County Platbooks to locate their environmental impact property location.
By: Staci Miller, Education Specialist, Paulding SWCD
Staci Miller, Education Specialist recently went into Mrs. Heather Hatcher’s 10th grade Biology class to assist them with their environmental impact project. This is the first year for the environmental impact project. The students were organized into groups where they were given a specific plot of land that made up approximately 324 acres in Paulding County. Then the students decided as a group what they were going to build on their land.
They had a wide variety of choices that included: power plant, amusement park, zoo, mall, amphitheater, oil refinery, farm, university or even a nature park. Once the students decided what they were going to be building they had to research the various animal and plant species that reside on their piece of land. They also had to learn about the different soil types and put together an environmental impact assessment as well as evaluate the economic and social benefits of this project. Staci Miller assisted the students with their projects by helping them to identify their plot of land in a platbook. The students then learned about the 12 different townships in Paulding County and approximately how many acres are in the county. The students then got the opportunity to locate their own house in the platbook. After learning how to use a platbook, the students learned about how the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District assists producers and landowners with a variety of different conservation practices to help them conserve the land and natural resources in Paulding County.
The students learned about native and nonnative plants that reside in Paulding County as well as wildlife common to the area. Staci brought in a variety of different wildlife pelts for the students to look at. She then discussed the characteristics of a flood plain and discussed the importance of water quality to our fish and wildlife. She shared with the students water samples collected out of Flatrock Creek where their land drains into. The students analyzed the results to help them determine the water quality. Students then learned about macroinvertebrates as well as the different groups they are divided into to help determine the amount of pollution present in the water. To conclude the presentation, Staci had the students think about what impact their projects will have on the environment and to make wise decisions as a group. The students really appreciated this information and felt that it was valuable for their project. Once the students complete their project they will have to present their information to the town council (Mrs. Hatcher) for consideration prior to construction of project.
