South Stokes Environmental Club requested grant money for 2 different student-initiated and designed projects to be completed on campus and in our community of Stokes County.

Project 1: Reclaiming land with native plants
Expected student learning and scope of work: Project 1 is a rewilding project for a piece of land on campus that has been disturbed through deforestation. This area is directly behind our visitors seating at our sports complex. The loss of the trees means there are lots of stumps and weeds (and trash) behind the bleachers. We would like to plant native trees and wildflowers to make the area less of an eyesore, encourage pollinators and native wildlife to return, and teach our students about native plants. Included in this project is a trip with the students to a local grower who specializes in native NC plants. From this trip we will learn what are suggested plantings as well as care once planting has begun. Seeds to be planted will range from insect and bird attractors, to soil builders, to colorful beautification additions.

Project 2: Community anti-littering campaign
Expected student learning and scope of work: Project 2 is designed to improve our community and give students the opportunity to design a product, sell a product, and fundraise for our club. I am the education representative on the Hanging Rock State Park Advisory Committee. For years, people in the public and on the committee have been asking for an anti-littering campaign for Stokes County. The SSHS Environmental Club would like to play a small part in that campaign by designing, printing, and selling lawn signs asking drivers to Keep Stokes Beautiful. We currently have 2 sign designs and will be choosing which design we will send on to the printer.