AKRON, OH – Roswell Kent Middle School in Akron was dedicated on Monday, October 3, 2011 as an official WILD School Site according to ODNR Division of Wildlife. The school is the 117th site dedicated in Ohio and the 9^th in Summit County.

            Over the last few years, students and teachers at Roswell Kent established a pond, butterfly garden, tall grass prairie, and Ohio native wildflower garden and erected bird feeding stations. These projects helped to create new and enhance existing habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and many different species of mammals. The WILD School Site is used in the everyday school curriculum to supplement learning opportunities in many subjects including math, science, and social studies. To watch video of the dedication click here

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 more information on wildlife-related education programs in Ohio, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or click here