Environmental Responsibility:  Biodiversity and the Carolinian Classroom

Within the College’s vast campus there is a small naturalized area nestled between the Page and Young Buildings. It is a mini Carolinian forest planted fifteen years ago by Dr. David Moffat and a small group of students.   “My first motivation was to make the environment healthier,” says Dr. Moffat, who teaches Senior School biology. But along with the birds and rabbits, teachers and students have found their way to this serene native garden.

Dr. Moffat, a recipient in 2008 of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, admits that the project raised a few hackles in the early years because it broke with the accepted culture of manicured suburban spaces.  Now, with widespread movements to lower carbon footprints and a concern for “nature deficit” in children, the Carolinian forest is widely viewed as a small but valuable campus asset.

The garden is used by many of the faculty to enhance student learning. One example is Grade 7 science teacher John Hannah’s lesson in biodiversity. Using the Carolinian garden, he initiated a self-directed project, where students would observe, begin to learn about, and finally pursue their own line of inquiry inspired by the naturalized area.  

This Grade 7 lesson project would likely not have been nearly as varied or engaging without the close-up exploration of this small Carolinian garden. From “the Prickliest Plants in Ontario,” through soil comparisons, and an exploration of the various tools of plant reproduction (pine cones, burrs, animal distribution, etc), the students’ topics both surprised and pleased Mr. Hannah.

Use of the “Carolinian classroom” is limited by its size. “It is very susceptible to trampling and over-use,” warns Dr. Moffatt. Interest in naturalizing more of the campus is now growing with the Senior Environment Club as its champion. With a small grant from the Hamilton Community Foundation and donations received in memory of Dr. Moffatt’s father, naturalization of another small part of the HSC campus between two playing fields began last year and will be expanded this spring.

Click here for more information on the new area to be naturalized, and a new fundraising initiative to support it.