Western Wayne Students Continue Watershed Studies Through Fall and Winter Field Experiences
Western Wayne High School students are continuing their hands-on environmental education journey through the Community Connections to Our Watershed forum. The yearlong regional initiative brings together teams of students from nine local school districts to explore watershed science, land use, ecology, and sustainability through immersive field experiences across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Western Wayne students involved include: Noah Benson, Aidyn Graci, Giana Graci, Aliyah Gregory, and Rhys Locklin.
October: Understanding Our Ecological Footprint at Lacawac Sanctuary
On October 24, students traveled to Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center for a program centered on the theme “Leaving a Footprint.” The day focused on understanding how human activity impacts lake ecosystems and how individuals can reduce their ecological footprint.
.Working with environmental educators, students explored:
- Their personal ecological footprints and how daily choices affect natural resources
- The impact of climate change on lake ecosystems
- Methods for collecting physical and chemical data from a lake system
- Techniques for detecting microplastics in bodies of water
- How individual and group actions can reduce water pollution
Through hands-on lake monitoring activities and microplastics investigations, students gained a deeper understanding of how scientific data is used to assess ecosystem health. The experience reinforced the idea that while everyone contributes to environmental impact, everyone can also contribute to solutions.
Students were also challenged to collect water samples from their local communities for later analysis and to evaluate sustainability practices within their own school cafeterias.
November: Examining Land Use and Mining Legacy
On November 6, students shifted their focus to Land Use, visiting the Anthracite Heritage Museum before traveling to the Old Forge Bore Hole.
This experience examined how Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic coal mining industry was shaped by regional geology—and how it, in turn, reshaped the landscape. Students discussed how historical land-use decisions continue to influence water quality, ecosystems, and community development today.
The day included:
- Continued microplastics research (Part II)
- Discussions on how communities make modern land-use decisions
- Chemical water analysis at the borehole site
- Exploration of how abandoned mine lands still impact present-day watersheds
By connecting history, science, and civic decision-making, students gained a clearer understanding of how environmental stewardship requires both scientific knowledge and community engagement.
January: Exploring Winter Ecology
On January 16, students returned to Lackawanna State Park to study Winter Ecology. Despite cold temperatures, students rotated through hands-on learning stations led by professionals from Pennsylvania State Parks, the Bureau of Forestry, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Students:
- Participated in Project FeederWatch, contributing to winter bird population monitoring
- Studied how forests adapt to winter stressors
- Learned about Snowshoe Hare population dynamics and ecosystem shifts
- Examined how climate change is altering winter weather patterns in the Northeast
- Strengthened their observational skills through structured nature journaling
The winter session also encouraged students to reflect on the human dimension of climate action, discussing both the scientific and psychological challenges associated with environmental change.
Preparing for Stewardship in Action
Through these fall and winter experiences, Western Wayne students have examined environmental impact from multiple perspectives—personal responsibility, historical land use, ecosystem science, and climate change.
The forum will culminate this spring with a regional showcase, where each school team will present a stewardship action project designed to improve their campus or local community.
Western Wayne High School is proud of its student participants for their continued leadership, curiosity, and dedication to understanding and protecting our region’s natural resources.
Pictures One and Two: Western Wayne students participating in October Watershed activities.
Picture Three: Western Wayne students participating in November Watershed activities.
Pictures Four and Five: Western Wayne students participating in January Watershed activities.
