Montessori School of Wooster Named A “WILD School Site”
Wayne County school 106th in the state; fifth in the county

WOOSTER, OH –  Montessori School of Wooster was dedicated recently as an official WILD School Site according to ODNR Division of Wildlife. The school is the 106th site dedicated in Ohio. The WILD School Site was dedicated during a graduation ceremony for students where students’ families as well as school staff were present.

Only the fifth school to be dedicated in Wayne County, Montessori School of Wooster has performed many projects to learn about and benefit from wildlife and the environment while enhancing habitat for wildlife in the school’s enclosed courtyard. Projects include: erecting bird feeding stations and identifying birds that visit the feeders, removing non-native, invasive plants that compete with native species which better benefit wildlife, removing litter from the school property as well as adjacent property, and building recyclable greenhouses out of old cartons. Wildlife that benefits includes countless migratory birds, mammals, insects, and a large variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Dr. Herb Broda, author of the book Schoolyard Enhanced Learning, was instrumental in helping the school’s staff and students learn how to use their WILD School Site in their everyday curriculum.

The WILD School Sites program is considered an action extension of the national Project WILD program. Any school property used by students, teachers, and the school 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 school, 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. 

For information on WILD School Sites, Project WILD, and grants click here or call 1-800-WILDLIFE to be connected with your District Office.