2nd Annual Earth Day Festival

 Plastic Ocean Project: Emily Mulvihill discussed the plastic pollution crisis and the importance of eliminating single use plastics from our everyday consumption. Students raced through a marine animal simulation to try and dodge ocean debris. 

Cape Fear River Watch: Marissa Blackburn talked about our everyday water usage and ways we can conserve resources. Buddies competed in a relay race to fill a gallon bucket and see what it was like to retrieve water from natural sources before the invention of public water systems. 

Eco Ball Toss: Lyndsay Shubert led students in a "Land or Water" probability game. If you caught a ball that was tossed in the air, would your thumb point to green (land) or blue (water)? Did you know 76% of our planet is covered in water?! 

Garbage to Gardens & NC Compositing Council: Sara Dousharm and Kat Polk introduced students the compost cycle in which waste is generated, returned to the soil, decomposed, and then utilized as nutrients for new food when the process begins again. Plus, lots of wriggly earthworms!  

New Hanover Soil & Water: Jessica Stitt demonstrated how differently sized soil particles, like clay, sand, and silt affect the flow rate of water. It moves quickly through loose, sandy soils due to larger pore spaces, whereas it travels slowly through compact, clayey soils because of their smaller, tighter pores. 

Turtle Time: FSW alums Emma Brinkley and Lucas Horne gave students an up close and personal look at Myrtle the Turtle, Emma's rehabilitated pet box turtle. They chatted with students about eating habits, turtle identification, habitat areas, and safe handling techniques. 

Native Plants: Stargazer Blue's own Patrick Bradshaw is without a doubt our resident gardening expert! He led students in a Q&A about the important role of native plants in wildlife. Without them (and the insects that co-evolved alongside them), local birds and other pollinators cannot survive! (And, YES, that is a surprise visit from past Head of School Brenda Esch)! 

Birding Trail Walk: Our "Art for Good" representatives led buddies on a birding walk through the Longleaf trails. As part of this Middle School elective, students created original signage with artwork that details the attributes and behaviors of different birds in our area.

Eco-Friendly Snacks: Of course no outdoor festival is complete with snacks…but let’s do it the FSW way! Our wonderful staff and family volunteers gave students time to rest and refuel with an eco-friendly snack and water station, complete with popcorn, pretzels, and fresh apple slices.