Not only does the Stonehouse
Habitat aim to enhance learning, but also strives to help with
erosion, conservation, preserving wildlife, and filtering water
before it enters the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, as well as to
foster an awareness of the environment along with relationships
among students, faculty and local community. The Habitat
is an example of how native plants can be used in landscaping.
The Stonehouse
Habitat is located in a courtyard of the school and is easily
accessible. When the habitat was being installed, donated
compost was tilled into the mostly clay soil to add nutrients
and allow the soil to better retain moisture. Likewise, donated
mulch was applied to conserve water and help reduce the amount
of erosion in the area. Plants were strategically placed around
the two-foot square drain and throughout the garden to help soak
up and filter water, as well as to keep mulch out of the drain.
Wildlife benefit, as well as seasonal interest was kept in mind
when designing and choosing plants for the Habitat.
So far
the Habitat has had 20 bird’s nests and has been home to
countless numbers of black swallowtail and monarch caterpillars,
toads and tree frogs. Butterflies, ladybugs, praying
mantises and many other insects have also been living in and
feeding in the Habitat. Bluebirds have raised their young
in one of the bird houses and baby rabbits have lived in the
Habitat. In addition, fritillary caterpillars have fed on
passionflower vine,
birds have been have been eating
winterberries,
service
berries
and various seeds,
and hummingbirds seem to enjoy the nectar from coral
honeysuckle,
bee
balm
and
cardinal
flower.
The Habitat has received several
awards and grants over the years and was recognized as a
Certified Wildlife Habitat by the
National Wildlife Federation
in 2008. The area has also been the site of several native
plant walks opened to the community sponsored by the John
Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society.
As the plants in the Habitat keep
maturing and growing, we plan on seeing and learning about more
and more different species of wildlife.
The community
is welcome to visit the Habitat after school hours (when school
is in session) or on the weekends.
