Life Science Students Learn Local History

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All Nordhoff Life Science Students (about 200) toured the Besant Meadow, an historic seasonal wetland, which had been severely degraded and is currently being restored but the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.  The tour wasx led by a representative of the Conservancy. who was able to give an ecological history of the meadow, as well as describe the restoration methods being implemented at the site.  He tested water samples at the drainage from the high school onto the meadow (pre natural filtration), and again on the far side of the cattails.  Students observe many species of birds, including red-winged blackbirds, red tailed hawks, egrets, and grebes, as well as dragonflies and damselflies.  The following day in class, students discussed the social, economic, and cultural value of restoration efforts.