Springfield is proud to have all four of our elementary and intermediate schools with outdoor native prairie classrooms.
In the heart of Springfield Local Schools, Holland Intermediate teacher Kristy DiSalle is transforming the way students connect with nature and science through an innovative program called Project PRAIRIE. A partnership with the Toledo Zoo and Wild Toledo Prairie Initiative, Project PRAIRIE brings outdoor learning to life for students, making them stewards of the environment through real-world science.
The Genesis of Project PRAIRIE DiSalle, a fourth-grade science teacher, became involved with Project PRAIRIE in 2018. Reflecting on the early days, DiSalle shared, “I started collaborating with teachers, administrators and Toledo Zoo educators on a steering committee to build a logic model for Project PRAIRIE stakeholders and secure grants. The idea was to fund native prairie installations, curriculum writing and additional resources. After seeing the success at Dorr Elementary, I worked to secure similar grants for Holland Intermediate and our other elementary schools.”
Her passion for the project stemmed from a desire to provide an outdoor classroom for students that would encourage hands-on learning and break the stereotype of science as something done in a lab. “There’s a quote from the book ‘Attracting Native Pollinators’ by the Xerces Society that really resonated with me,” she explained. “‘Spending time outside can improve concentration, help children with attention disorders and improve test scores.’ I wanted my students to see themselves as ecologists, conservationists or biologists, exploring the world with a sense of wonder.”
Educational Impact
Project PRAIRIE aligns perfectly with the district’s goals for inclusive, inquirybased education. DiSalle worked closely with the zoo to create a curriculum that enables teachers to guide students through life science concepts while meeting Ohio Content Standards. The outdoor prairie classrooms provide differentiated instruction, making them accessible to all students.
In her classroom, Project PRAIRIE has made a remarkable impact. “Students learn firsthand about the positive and negative impacts people have on their environment. They begin to understand how their oneacre prairie contributes to the health of Lake Erie and why it’s crucial for them to act as stewards of our Earth,” DiSalle noted. Beyond learning about ecosystems, students engage in authentic scientific research, using tools like hand lenses to observe insects and plants, honing their scientific skills.
Challenges and Sustainability
Maintaining and expanding Project PRAIRIE is a challenge DiSalle embraces. One hurdle has been ensuring accessibility for all students, particularly those with mobility issues. “Our prairie is in the grove, which currently has limited access for those unable to use stairs. To address this, I secured a grant from the Springfield Foundation to fund an ADA-accessible prairie,” she said. The initiative continues to grow thanks to the support of the district, parent associations and the zoo.
Looking ahead, she envisions Project PRAIRIE expanding in ways that continue to enhance the learning experience. “I’m excited about the installation of a native greenhouse next to the prairie. DiSalle has written several grants; one called ‘Growing Native Roots for Endangered Butterflies, Our Environment and the Next Generation,’ which will allow students to grow native plants for their homes and communities.”
Personal and Professional Growth For DiSalle, the project has not only changed the way her students learn, but it also has shaped her approach as an educator. “When students ask, ‘Mrs. DiSalle, can we do more science if we’re good?’ it inspires me to find new ways to make learning fun and meaningful,” she said with a smile.
One moment that stands out for DiSalle was the day the entire school at Dorr Elementary planted prairie seeds in the snow. “The students were so proud to be part of creating something that would benefit the environment. It was a hands-on experience they’ll never forget.” A Lasting Legacy Project PRAIRIE has left a lasting impact on students both academically and personally. The program has not only taught students about ecosystems and the importance of pollinators, but it also has helped them see themselves as scientists. “I’ll never forget the excitement on a student’s face when they saw a Monarch butterfly emerge from its chrysalis and realized they had played a part in helping the species thrive,” she shared.
As students continue to engage in the program, she hopes the initiative will have long-term benefits. “My goal is for Project PRAIRIE to extend beyond our school and into the community. I want students to take what they’ve learned about native landscapes and use it to make a difference in their own backyards.”
With the unwavering support of the Springfield Local Schools community, DiSalle’s Project PRAIRIE is helping to nurture a new generation of conservationists, scientists and naturalists, ensuring that the seeds of curiosity and stewardship continue to grow.
