Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School Science specialist Mary Legoria (pictured, right) and fourth-grade teacher Pam Fry (left) are co-recipients of a 2010 Environmental Education Grant funded by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Environmental Education Commission.  Their project, entitled “Life Lab-A Real Life Experience with Our Environment,” is designed to reconnect students with the environment by providing meaningful real-life experiences in the school’s gardens.

Funds from the $2,000 award will be used to purchase special camouflaged benches for students to observe butterflies and birds, as well as materials and supplies to construct raised beds for growing vegetables.

Legoria also is the recipient of a 2010 Target Field Trip Grant for her project, entitled “Getting Our Feet Wet in Our Coastal Roots.”  Westdale Heights is one of 38 schools across 18 parishes currently participating in the Louisiana State University Coastal Roots Program. Through this program, Westdale Heights Elementary’s fourth- and fifth-grade students have established a school-based wetland plant nursery, where they are growing native plant seedlings for use in habitat restoration.

Funds from the $800 Target grant will be used to defray the costs for a field trip to Alligator Bayou, one of Louisiana’s most historic wetland habitats. This outdoor learning adventure will provide an opportunity for the students to actively participate in the effort to rebuild our state’s rapidly eroding coastal wetlands as they transplant their seedlings.