The purpose of this project is to immerse high school students in a collaborative, real-world challenge that combines ecological knowledge and design skills to create a sustainable landscape on campus. By researching North Carolina's native plants, students gain insights into biodiversity, environmental stewardship, and creative problem-solving. The initiative encourages students to connect with community experts, explore local ecosystems, and engage their peers through an interactive exhibition, fostering deeper understanding of ecological principles and community involvement. Ultimately, students develop practical solutions that enhance both the visual appeal and ecological function of their school environment.

High school students will deepen their understanding of North Carolina native plants and biodiversity, applying this knowledge to create a functional and aesthetic landscape design. They will learn to analyze and synthesize research to make informed environmental decisions, enhancing their skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. By engaging with community partners and participating in hands-on workshops, students will connect classroom learning to real-world ecological practices, fostering respect and stewardship for local ecosystems.

Students will produce a comprehensive multimedia presentation that documents their research, design process, and final landscape proposal, highlighting their evolved understanding of native plant ecosystems. Each group will curate a collaborative portfolio containing research notes, design drafts, peer feedback, and reflections on group dynamics and decision-making. By the project's conclusion, students will showcase their work in a Biodiversity Gallery Walk, transforming school outdoor areas into themed stations with design models and detailed ecological explanations, making each group's contributions visible to the school community.

Begin the project with a 'Native Plant Discovery Day,' where students participate in hands-on activities led by experts from the North Carolina Native Plant Society. This will involve identifying and documenting plants on school grounds, fostering initial engagement with the subject matter. Follow this with the 'Ecosystem Explorers Program,' which includes a guided hiking trip to a local nature reserve to observe native plants in their natural habitats, sparking inspiration for their upcoming design work. These activities will set the stage for the research and design process by connecting students with real-world examples and expert insights.

Students will host a 'Biodiversity Gallery Walk,' transforming the school's outdoor areas into themed stations showcasing their design projects along with detailed explanations of ecological features. Each group will creatively arrange their station to highlight the principles of native plant landscaping through multimedia displays, models, and informative signage. Visitors, including school community members and local partners, will stroll through and appreciate the contributions, asking questions and engaging with students about their insights and challenges faced during the project.