Bannockburn Elementary PTA

A New PTA Commissioned Mural Celebrates Our School’s Local Ecology

What was once a well-worn shipping container, is now the canvas for a vibrant new mural celebrating the rich biodiversity that is present right here on our school grounds.  The mural was inspired by multiple years of hands-on ecological work by our neighborhood volunteer Woodland Stewardship group, which has led more than 40 workdays removing non-native invasive plants and nurturing native plant species that support more stable and vibrant ecosystems.

Most prominently featured in the scene are the ecological connections between the Sassafras tree, Joe-Pye weed, and the Spicebush Swallowtail (shown in both caterpillar and butterfly form). Look closer and you’ll also spot a Blue Jay carrying an acorn, a DeKay’s brown snake, native bees, large White Oak trees and even a bald eagle.  All these species are present on the grounds at Bannockburn ES, many right on the edge of the soccer field.  Watching over it all is our school mascot, the bobcat (not shown in the above picture), highlighting the role this property plays as a place for our next generation to explore.

We hope this mural encourages curiosity and a sense of connection to the vibrant natural areas on our school grounds.

Youth Engagement

Here are some fun ways to engage kids regarding the animals depicted. These help the kids learn about roles some of of the the animals play in the ecosystem, and about how some animals use deception to make things appear not as they are.

Forgetful Farmer – Our blue jay is our forest’s forgetful farmer. They bury hundreds of acorns in fall and winter around the forest, but only remember to collect a subset of what they bury. The rest are perfectly planted for new oaks to germinate and grow. Read more here

Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar Has a BIG Secret! The “eyes” that you see on its head, are not real! They are fake eyes, made to make the caterpillar resemble a snake (mimicry) and be perceived as a riskier meal for predators. The caterpillar’s real eyes are small and on the front underside of the caterpillar. Read more here

Hungry Homebuilder – Our pileated woodpecker knocks out holes in trees in search of insect meals. At a later time, after the woodpecker is done, these holes are often used as pre-made homes by other birds and animals in the woodlands. Read more here