Alligator River/Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge P. O. Box 1969 Manteo, North Carolina 27954 Contact: Bonnie Strawser - 252-473-1131 Back to News Home Page

News Release

Photo credits: FFMS

:

Refuge Interpreter Susie Ahlfeld
demonstrates proper planting techniques for Valerie Robey . In the
background, Lindsey Shields and Taylor Jameson plant on their own.

Byran Combs prepares to plant.

The First Flight Middle School Native Plants Garden Team: Ms. Redford, Miss Criss, Dawn Forsythe, Shane Melott, Valerie Robey,
Cassandra Meyle, Lindsey Shields, and Taylor Jameson

The Environmental Science Club at First Flight Middle School has recently planted a wildlife habitat garden on the school grounds while learning about native plants in the region and their benefit to local wildlife. This opportunity was made available to the students by working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Kathy Mitchell, Horticulturist from the Aquarium and Susan Ahlfeld from Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge have been meeting with the students and teachers monthly to talk about the benefits of native plants to wildlife and developing the plans for the garden. “I think that there is terrific potential for this wildlife habitat garden to make a significant contribution to environmental education at First Flight” expresses Wildlife Interpretive Specialist Susan Ahlfeld. “Environmental Education is one of the priority public uses of national wildlife refuges, and being able to bring environmental education opportunities out into the community is essential”. This area will offer learning opportunities for students and the entire community.

This project could not have happened without the support of many local organizations and businesses. Donations were received from: Home Depot of Kitty Hawk, Dunes of Dare Garden Club, , NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, and Bob Glennon.