As part of their Earth Week studies and focus on Stewardship, students from Highland's Environmental Science and Social Justice classes participated in a service-learning project in partnership with the Goose Creek Association (GCA), John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District (JMSWCD) and Virginia Department of Forestry (VDF).

In addition to planting saplings to support the health of a tributary of Goose Creek, students travelled to three stations to learn about soil testing, the effects of riparian buffers on stream bank stabilization, and how to use macroinvertebrates to gauge water quality.

Additionally, students learned about the community and government partnerships that enabled this effort, and heard firsthand from Mr. George Slater, landowner and Highland parent of alumni, about the environmental incentives to support the Goose Creek Challenge on his property.

The challenge is a community effort in support of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that calls for a total of 181,440 stream bank miles to be restored with forest buffers by 2025.

Coordinated by environmental science teacher Jon Kraut, Highland has supported this project for three years. Highland is grateful to the Marcia Woolman of the Goose Creek Association, Joe Rosetti from the VDF, and Tom Turner, Claire Hilsen, Michael Trop from JMSWCD who organized this opportunity and provided lunch and refreshments for the students.