Imagination. Creativity. Observation. Adaptation.
These four concepts lie at the heart of nature, and the Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club has spent the past few weeks exploring all of them through hands-on, minds-on learning.
Students Create Their Own Bird Species
A couple of weeks ago, ESC students were challenged to think like real ornithologists. Working in small groups, they were asked to design an entirely new species of bird, one that could realistically survive in a habitat of their choosing.
This activity required them to use:
- Imagination to envision new traits
- Creativity to bring their species to life
- Observation to understand how real birds interact with their environment
- Adaptation concepts to ensure their bird could thrive
This past Wednesday, the groups took their work further, collaborating, negotiating, and presenting their final species designs. Each team created illustrations and delivered presentations explaining their bird’s adaptations, feeding strategies, nesting behavior, and habitat needs.
Not only did students learn about ecology and evolution, they also developed valuable teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, learning the give-and-take needed for successful collaboration.
A New Partnership Takes Flight at Ohio Hi-Point JVS
In addition to the ESC’s work, exciting news is emerging countywide. This week, representatives from the Logan County Land Trust met with two Ohio Hi-Point JVS instructors, Summer Priest and Brooke Sizemore, to begin a new partnership focused on ornithology.
OHP students have expressed interest in studying birds, and together, the groups have launched a long-term project:
A Purple Martin House installation at OHP coming Spring 2026!
The base pole was installed this fall, with teachers and directors on hand to learn about Purple Martin conservation and the installation process (see photos in gallery). The full setup will be completed in 2026, creating an ideal nesting site for one of Ohio’s most charismatic and beneficial bird species.
Stay tuned for updates on “Martins from the Top of Ohio,” a collaborative conservation project designed to bring more wildlife education opportunities to students.
Supporting the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards
Both the bird-design activity and the OHP partnership reflect the mission of the Logan County Land Trust: To connect people with the land, protect natural and agricultural resources, and educate the next generation of environmental stewards.
Please consider volunteering or making an online donation. Together, we can make a difference.