Kim Dreher

Dreher's "P.O.N.D. - Purposeful Opportunities for Natural Discovery: A Living Lab" is a collaborative project in which students use a natural pond on the school's campus as an ecological field laboratory. Students conduct field research such as planting trees to prevent erosion, measuring tree circumferences, taking soil samples, monitoring birds through live video cameras, and making natural dyes from plants. Trails provide access to a butterfly and historical dye garden, tree identification area, and plant, water, and animal collection areas. Through their experiences the students become environmental stakeholders who enhance the ecosystem of the school and the community.