Students go green for grant

Biology students at James Island Charter High School wanted their school to be more environmentally friendly. So they went around campus, researched what could be done and wrote a two-page grant application to the Sustainability Institute of South Carolina.

Their ideas included adding rain barrels to collect rainwater, a rain garden with butterfly houses, planting native plants on school grounds, creating green walkways and constructing a wall of plants.

Their ideas and efforts paid off. The school was awarded $10,170 from the Institute's GREENS fund to make those ideas a reality at the school.

Some of the students involved with the project were in teacher Michelle Lee's first- and fourth-period biology classes. Others were students in the recycling and science club. There were about 90 students in all. They were inspired when a representative of the Lowcountry Earth Force spoke to the students about improving the environment and their community.

"We researched ideas and walked around our school," said student Cameron Cole.

It took the students a week to write the two-page grant application. Lee and marine science teacher Megan Ward coordinated where the application would be sent. The students did the rest.

"It was all on us," said student Catie Stallworth. "It took a week; we did it in class, after school, all the time."

On the application, they stated that their ideas would "result in a healthier and greener school" and "allow us to bring native and possibly endangered South Carolina plant species and migrating birds to our campus."

The students explained that using rain barrels to collect rainwater could eliminate puddles and flooding on the school grounds. The rain barrels would be used to water plants in a "smart irrigation system." A green wall of plants could clean the air and reduce temperatures in the immediate area by as much as 2 degrees, thereby saving energy on air conditioning, the students wrote.

The projected cost was $10,170 with the green wall being the most costly item.

The institute awarded the Grants Reinvesting Environmental Ethics in Neighborhood Stability grant to the school Oct. 18 at the third annual sustainable community awards event on Daniel Island.

Lee accepted the check on behalf of the students. Lee said she was proud of the students for taking on the project themselves, including coming up with a projected budget and project timeline.

The green wall is set to be constructed in early November.

"The students' ideas will reduce erosion, attract butterflies, create more green space and promote photosynthesis, which will reduce global warming on a small scale," Lee said. "We're hoping the green wall will go out front of the building so everyone can see it."

The students will be recognized by the Charleston County School Board at the Nov. 5 meeting.

"I'm excited about getting it done and seeing it complete," said student Ryan Sanders.

Some students said the experience has made them more interested in studying environmental issues. Others said they are more aware of environmentally friendly practices.

"I recycle more," Ryan said.

"I think about water all the time," Catie added. "Especially when I brush my teeth."

All agreed that the students secured a deeper understanding of environmental issues as well as considerable support for their environmentally friendly project.