Bertha Tracy

Tracy's "Wetlands Environmental Training Lab And Natural Development of School Habitat (WETLANDS)" project gives students hands-on experience with science exploration and a greater appreciation of the wetlands ecology at their school. As part of a restoration compensation plan developed by the school district and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, students collect and record data on the wetland's soil, water quality, vegetation and wildlife. The information is used to create databases so future classes and governmental agencies can measure the quality of the wetlands ecosystem over time. The students gain skills in various areas of science and environmental study, while helping to give their community a restored wetland habitat.