MPCD Teaches Youth about Amphibians, Ecological Collapse, Bees, Soil

The image shows a poster about the Hula Painted Frog, detailing its description, behavior, and conservation status, decorated with colorful dots.

MPCD had a busy spring in East and West Grand classrooms.  MPCD is a firm believer that educating youth about natural resource conservation is crucial for fostering a sustainable future. By integrating conservation education into school curricula, we can cultivate a sense of responsibility and stewardship, thus empowering students to make informed decisions now and as adults.

Save the Frogs

Every year, MPCD teaches West Grand 7th and 8th graders about amphibians and their conservation. Tihs year, we also introduced Granby Elementary 5th graders to the world of amphibians.

Did you know we have 5 species of amphibians in Middle Park?  We have Chorus Frogs, Leopard Frogs, Wood Frogs, Tiger Salamanders and Boreal Toads.

Easter Island's Ecological Collapse

Most of us have read Dr. Seuss's book The Lorax.  Well, it is not just a fictional tale meant to provide a good begtime story to kids.  It is believed that the original Polynesian settlers on Easter Island overharvested natural resources on the island and caused an ecological collapse (just like the story of The Lorax).  Though the island is slowing recovering, thanks in part to various restoration and  replanting projects, it is a history lesson not be to forgotton.  

On Earth Day 2026, MPCD had the opportunity to share this real-life story with the West Grand 4th graders.

A group of kids holds colorful cups filled with treats in a classroom, with plates and napkins on the table.

Honeybees and Beekeeping

As part of West Grand 4th/5th grader's "Web of Life" curriculum, MPCD came in to teach the students about the importance of bees and provide personal insight into beekeeping.  Bees are some of the most important species on Earth.  In fact, bees pollinate about 1/3 of the food we eat everyday.  

In addition to watching NatGeo's "Secret of the Bees" series, we made Honey Energy Balls and showed students various beekeeping equipment and honey frames from a local apiarist.

A tent display titled "A Peek Beneath Our Feet" features educational posters and hanging materials, likely for an interactive project.

Soil Tent and Edible Dirt

Soil is essential for life.

  • It supports the growth of plants, which provide food and oxygen to us and animals.
  • It is home to a vast array of organisms that contribute to ecosystem health.
  • Health soils play a critical role in water filtration and carbon storage.
  • It provides the foundation on which humans get food, shelter, clothing, and more. 95% of the food we eat comes from soil.

In the final week of school, MPCD once again visited West Grand 4th and 5th graders to teach them about soils and help them make their own "edible soil" snack.  

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