Summer snapshot: Sociology students’ ‘Impact Project’ brings bluebirds, prairie grasses to campus

A look back at the stories, events that unfolded while the Inkspot staff was off for summer break

Inkspot Staff and Lyra Townsend

Sep 30, 2025

One of 10 birdhouses stands in the retention basin in front of Community, part of a sociology class “Impact Project” aimed at restoring native habitat from the 2024-2025 school year.

Mr. Brad Bovenkerk

A student-led initiative aimed at restoring local ecosystems took root last spring as part of Community’s sociology curriculum.

The idea for the environmental effort came from seniors Berit Rice and Liberty Lett, who developed the plan during Mr. Stefen Robinson’s sociology class’s “Impact Project” last year.

With support from Social Studies teacher Mr. Kevin Suess, the students helped bring the project to life—installing birdhouses and planting native prairie grasses across campus.

Suess secured a $2,000 grant from the National Geographic Society to fund the initiative.

Ten bluebird houses were installed beginning in late May, after the birds completed their spring migration. While no birds have nested yet, Suess said students are hopeful the houses will attract residents next season.

Alongside the birdhouses, the group worked with the district horticulturist to plant native prairie grasses in the school’s retention basins. The area, no longer mowed, now includes added trees and early signs of ecological benefits.

Monarch butterflies have already been spotted in the basin, Suess said, which is a good indicator that the habitat is starting to support more biodiversity.

The project continues a tradition of student-driven change through the sociology class’s annual “Impact Project,” which encourages students to address social or environmental issues in their community.

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