The Turtle Sanctuary & Butterfly Garden

Project Summary:

A large courtyard in the Science Wing of the school will be converted into a turtle rescue/breeding sanctuary, as well as a butterfly garden.   Each year, many turtles native to Lake County are injured by automobiles, dogs, and other human activities.   Frequently these turtles are turned over to veterinarians, who treat the injuries, but are unable to nurse all of the animals back to full health.   Starting in the summer of 2008, Highland Park High School will accept several species of turtles to nurse back to health in our turtle sanctuary.   In addition, the turtles will be encouraged to breed, and turtle hatchlings will be raised for release into local wildlife areas.    The garden, while serving the needs of several turtle species, will be composed of native vegetation that will also serve as a butterfly garden.   Specifically, the garden will be developed to become part of the International Monarch Monitoring Program.  

Project Goals:

• Teach students about garden design with native plants

• Create a natural habitat for several local species of turtle and butterfly

• Develop a turtle hatchery and nursery to help native populations of turtles grow in number

Results:

The garden will be designed and planted in the spring of 2008.

Next Steps:

• Students are researching native turtle habitats to incorporate elements into garden design

• Plans are being developed for the garden lay-out and design.

• Vegetation to be planted and ponds to be constructed in spring 2008.

Online Resources:

We will soon have photos of our turtle and butterfly garden.

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