Evaluating the Survival of Native Plants

Earlier in the school year, our students went to the Max Lake Conservation Area with OASISS (Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society) to remove invasive thistle and plant a variety of native plants. Last week, they returned to the site to do a scientific study – how many of each species of native plant survived the winter and is continuing to thrive. Our students recorded this data and will analyze it in math class, calculating percentages and creating graphs. The data itself will be submitted to OASISS, who will use it to better their understanding of which plants are best to rehabilitate our local wetlands with.

Our students identified several native and invasive plants and were taught how to be safe in nature. We also taught students about tick safety ahead of time, so that most students arrived wearing appropriate clothing.

Our grade 7 class, along with a grade 7 class from Oliver Elementary, are the only two classes that have had the privilege of participating in this program. The Oliver Elementary students joined us at Max Lake, where our grade 7s showcased the work they have done. Our students explained the species we have planted and also gained insight into the native plants in the area from an Indigenous speaker. After revisiting Max Lake, our classes traveled to Oliver Mountain to hear about a similar project the other class has been working on.