School Garden at Carver MST Receives Distinction from the National Wildlife Federation

DOTHAN, Ala.  -- Dothan City Schools is pleased that the Carver School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology has achieved “Certified Schoolyard Habitat” status through the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife program. The NWF is America's leading organization for wildlife conservation and education.

Carver MST now joins a group of over 11,000 schools nationwide that have transformed their schoolyards into vibrant wildlife habitats, providing essential resources every creature needs: natural food sources, clean water, shelter, and spaces to nurture their young. This habitat also doubles as an outdoor classroom, offering students the opportunity to learn across various subjects in an engaging, hands-on environment.

"As a principal, I am delighted to provide our students with engaging, hands-on learning opportunities in the great outdoors,” said Chris Payne, Carver MST’s Principal. “No cell phone app can rival the incredible discoveries that await in your own backyard. Through creative lessons and research, our aim is to inspire students to become the leaders of tomorrow who will positively impact both humanity and the natural world.”

The Carver MST garden habitat is a sanctuary that supports a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, bees, koi fish, chickens, and diverse pollinator insects and birds. The gardens boast an array of plants, such as wildflowers, tropical shade plants, pollinator flowers, fruit trees, native species, and multiple vegetable and fruit gardens.

Various components of the garden allow students to investigate methods to boost crop production by developing composting stations, reducing fertilizer dependency, minimizing pesticide use by planting flowers alongside crops, enhancing soil quality with a worm garden, and examining the vital role of bees in pollination using the school's bee hives. A greenhouse was erected behind the school earlier this year, as well, as part of the garden community

Additionally, the habitat includes a water garden that demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between fish and floating plants. Carver MST garden area features year-round blooming plants, ensuring a sustainable habitat for resident bees. An insect house is also present, providing a welcoming environment for non-traditional pollinator insects.

“Dothan City Schools is just overjoyed to have the National Wildlife Federation recognize the Carver School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology,” explained Dr. Dennis Coe, Superintendent for Dothan City Schools. “These types of honors are a true testament to the things Mr. Payne and our teachers are doing day in and day out to make learning fun. The school has provided many exceptional, hands-on learning experiences for our Carver MST students, and Dothan City Schools is happy to partner with the National Wildlife Federation on this educational project.”

With the distinction, Carver MST received a sign from the National Wildlife Federation that will proudly boast their new garden status.

With over 313,000 certified locations and counting, NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitats and Community Wildlife Habitats recognize individuals, schools, groups, and entire communities dedicated to providing vital habitats for wildlife, including pollinators. According to the group, each certified location offers wildlife natural food sources, water, cover, and places to raise their young, all while employing sustainable gardening practices. This initiative transforms yards, schools, businesses, places of worship, campuses, parks, farms, and other community landscapes into wildlife sanctuaries.

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