10/13/2024
Ben Franklin Elementary is excited to announce we are currently pursuing River-Friendly School Certification. River-Friendly (https://thewatershed.org/river-friendly/) is a NJ state-wide certification focused on promoting clean water and a healthy environment through voluntary action by individuals and institutions. To achieve certification, Ben Franklin needs to teach lessons about water quality, water conservation, and wildlife and provide local connections for students. For example, students learned about stream creatures that can help determine water quality, called macroinvertebrates, in their local Little Shabakunk stream. From this lesson, the students learned how pollution on land can impact aquatic environments so the land needs to be kept clean for these creatures to survive. In addition, third graders learned about native and invasive plants from a local TCNJ professor, Dr. Lauren Madden and her students. The third graders had a chance to see the ways in which native plants and their root structures help secure soil and keep our rivers healthy and safe, while also combating climate change. By identifying features of native and invasive plants, the third graders have a chance to make good decisions about keeping their environments healthy and safe.
Ben Franklin has enjoyed learning about River-Friendly topics. See how River-Friendly your home is by taking a resident survey here. If you earn enough points you can get a cool yard sign to display your dedication to environmental protection.
