Carver's 2024-2025 EcoSchools Theme: Wildlife and Biodiversity
The Guardians of the Triangle is Carver Elementary’s student-led environmental leadership program, guiding our school through the EcoSchools Green Flag Certification process and the Georgia COOL Schoolyards initiative. This select group of students leads by example—fostering a culture of stewardship, spearheading real-world action projects, and engaging the whole school in sustainability practices. Meeting weekly during Camp Wildcat, our Guardians are passionate about building a healthier planet starting right here on our 50-acre campus.
Our 2024–25 initiatives include:
Leading campus biodiversity research using iNaturalist
Designing, restoring, and maintaining schoolyard habitats, including a ditch-to-wetland transformation, and pollinator zones.
Monitoring crayfish populations through the Crayfish of Carver: Operation Population project, in collaboration with university researchers.
Writing the school’s EcoCode, developing interpretive species field guides, and sharing our work at public events like Earth and Arts Night.
Our mission goes beyond beautifying our campus—we aim to make a lasting impact. Through these hands-on stewardship projects, students gain leadership experience, apply scientific methods, and tackle environmental challenges that affect our local community, such as flooding in the Ogeechee River Basin and declining native biodiversity. We believe that environmental education is most powerful when students are in the driver’s seat—asking questions, designing solutions, and sharing their stories.
To amplify our impact, the Guardians serve as ambassadors, presenting our work to visiting scientists, school leadership, and community partners. We document our learning and share it through student storytelling, schoolwide campaigns, and social media, advocating for sustainable change in Richmond Hill and beyond.
TEAM GOALS AND VISION
At Carver Elementary, our EcoSchools journey is led by a passionate, student-nominated team known as the Guardians of the Triangle. This diverse, multi-grade leadership group embodies the core principles of the EcoSchools Framework, including action competency, systems thinking, and place-based learning. Meeting weekly during our school-wide enrichment block, Camp Wildcat, the Guardians guide the school through the EcoSchools 7-Step Process, take ownership of our environmental Action Projects, and serve as visible ambassadors for sustainability throughout the school and wider community. The Guardians of the Triangle contribute 90 minutes per week to EcoSchool Action Project leadership. That's over 40 hours of leadership service towards our Green Flag certification application!
Our Action Team includes students, educators, administrators, and engaged community partners such as Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Ogeechee River Keeper, and the Richmond Hill Garden Club. These members bring a wide range of expertise—from ecological monitoring to native plant restoration—working collaboratively to support biodiversity education and stewardship across our 50-acre outdoor campus.
The team’s vision is grounded in the belief that every student can be a changemaker. Through data collection, citizen science, and public outreach, the Guardians develop the skills to lead, reflect, and make decisions that impact both their local ecosystem and their school culture. This inclusive, student-centered approach ensures that environmental learning is not a separate initiative but a foundational part of who we are as a school.
U.N. Sustainability Goals
To align with the EcoSchools Framework, we incorporated the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our Team Goals and Vision.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
EcoSchools Framework: Action Competency
Goal: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Carver's Outdoor Education program offers hands-on, inclusive learning experiences for all 4th and 5th grade students—including English language learners and military-connected children.
The Guardians program builds leadership, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills—core outcomes of SDG 4.
Carver’s curriculum integrates environmental literacy, civic responsibility, and student agency, which supports lifelong learning and sustainability education.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
EcoSchools Framework: Systems Thinking
Goal: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
Guardians of the Triangle lead habitat restoration, pollinator gardens, and native plant projects.
Students participate in species inventories, wetland conservation, and invasive species removal—directly contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Fieldwork like crayfish population studies supports monitoring and protecting terrestrial and freshwater species.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
EcoSchools Framework: Community and Collaboration
Goal: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Carver has built strong on-going relationships with our partners, including universities (Georgia Southern, UGA), government agencies (GA DNR, GFC, City of Richmond Hill), nonprofits (Coastal Wildscapes, Ogeechee Riverkeeper), and community groups (Richmond Hill Garden Club, Bryan County 4-H).
These partners provide scientific mentorship, training, habitat design expertise, and authentic fieldwork opportunities for students.
Guardians act as student liaisons, engaging directly with experts, presenting data, and participating in co-led biodiversity action projects.
Carver’s emphasis on community-based, student-led stewardship exemplifies SDG 17’s spirit: achieving ambitious goals through inclusive, cross-sector collaboration.
SCHOOLWIDE IMPLEMENTATION
Ms. Wilcher presented Guardians of the Triangle to staff on December 13, 2024.
The presentation can be viewed at: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGVd71NCno/1CZPPKHcfH_TrGsXw9fInw/edit?utm_content=DAGVd71NCno&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Ms. Wilcher and three Guardians were scheduled to present to the Board of Education on January 23. However, this presentation was cancelled due to severe weather.
Part of this presentation:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGcjx9l3-Y/1eA-W4M-2cWA3kvuFV2V_Q/watch
The Guardians who prepared a speech to present: Raiden, Zory, Mae
Student Leadership
Leaders: Guardians of the Triangle/Camp Wildcat
Members: 675 4th and 5th grade students at Carver Elementary
Adult Leaders: Kari Wilcher, Outdoor Education
Erica Smith, Carver School Counselor
Karen Smith, Carver School Principal
Michael Smith, 5th Grade Teacher
Nicole McLeod, 4th Grade Teacher, Earth Day
High School Student Intern
Khristal Monroe, STEAM long-term substitute teacher
Paigia Powe, 4th Grade Teacher, Recycling
Alexandria Fults, 4th Grade Teacher, Vermicomposting
Adult Volunteers: Marti Fults, Gloria Shearin, Richmond Hill Garden Club
Dalton Hemmings, ABAC/Georgia Southern Fish Biologist
John Cassell, Teacher, Effingham College & Career Academy
Professional Support: Jessica T. R. Brown, P.E., Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant | Stormwater Specialist
Reginald Tuner and Dr. Checo Colon-Gaud, Georgia Southern
The Georgia Southern Freshwater Ecology Lab
Ellie Hanson, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Damon Mullis, Ogeechee River Keeper
Greg Rothman and Michael Kendrick, Wildlife Biologist, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Organizational Support: Georgia Southern, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Sea Grant, The Georgia Conservancy, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife, Ogeechee RIver Keeper, Richmond Hill Garden Club, Coastal Wildscapes
Mae and Jackson
Compost Captains have been responsible for the entire composting program. They manage collecting compost material from the lunchroom or on campus, they manage the compost bin, and they educate others on how to compost.
Emmanuel and Parker
Equipment Captains maintain our equipment. They organize it, set it up, and put it away. This team cleans equipment. They help organize the use of our equipment by helping students share equipment while it is being used.
Owen, Charlotte, and Dani
Our Research Captains help coordinate all project research. They organize and distribute research tools, help students conduct research, and help students document research. This team helps make project decisions based on our research. This team also helps students submit data for iNaturalist using iPads.
Samford, Grayson
Our Tech Team manages our technology including iPads.This team helps create posters and other materials for our projects. They help students use Canva, provide design guidance, and help students translate research and projects into visual materials. This team also helps students submit data for iNaturalist using iPads.
Zory, Abby, Mary, McGregor
Our Field Investigation Captains help with field research and investigations. They help students with data collection, collection methods, and analysis. This team helps us conduct biodiversity indexes, habitat surveys, and species census. This team also helps students submit data for iNaturalist.
2024 FALL CAMP WILDCAT ROSTER
Raegan Scott
Nathan Penttila
Elena Twining
Camila Mendoza
La'moni Humphreys
Samantha Schaff
Ezekiel Monroe
Kentrell Kendricks
Eden Roberson
Mahloni Hamilton
Levi Tattrie
Troy Tarr
Hudson
Ashton
Hunter
Bella
Anna Lynn
Aoyna
Logan
Jisyn
Naomi
Raiden
Felix
Joy
Anthony Diaz
Lamonica Blige
Sophie Karns
Veera Patel
Mackenzie Krebs
Omid Anees
River Clark
Parker Landers
Lily Armitage
Leah Colmans
Davina Gelly
Bryson Moore
Peyton Upshaw
Savannah Crowe
Liam Meyer
David Cox
Natalie Browning
Christopher Marsh
Makenna March
Aaradya Patel
Callie Huxford
Jayson Brewer
Leo Merva
Isiah Meno
Logan Bullock
Case Spell
Charlotte H
Sophia
Bradley
Yandel
Jason S
Abby Francis
Eli B
Mary
Victoria Baumgartner
Emery smith
chloe kester
Jaylin
Jaxson
Declan
Mia
Carter Barry
Zory Perez-Guzman
Adelina
Brian
Maddux
Owen
2025 SPRING GUARDIANS OF THE TRIANGLE
CAMP WILDCAT ROSTER
Kelsey, Ahcacia
Mitchell, Raelynn
Monroe, Ezekiel
Amelia Howard
Herzer, Sadie
Jones, Emma
Reddick, Albert
Chronopoulous, Sophia
Voyles, Casen
Callie Peacock
Elena Cryer
Verner, Patrick "Jack"
Brandt, Satele
Emelia Bing
Sarno, Gabriel
Appleton, Coral
Farrell, Grayson
Zyskowski, Jaxon
Buhles, Michael
Bowes, Aoife
McGregor Griffen
Helmeci, Elizabeth
Moore, Ryker
Chance Browne
Vargas, Emmanuel
Gus Daugherty
Eli Demand
Malachi Guzzi
Armitage, Samford
Landers, Parker
Armitage, Lilly
Cooley, River
Stickland, Beckett
Black, Alexander
Cantrell, Virginia-Rose
Fults, Evan
Gierber, Charlotte
Fults, Ashton
Armitage, Griffin
Armitage, Mae
Evans, Greyson
Small, Layna
Bollinger, Jackson
Shuls, Brody
Broady, Nash
Eskridge, Tariq
Fitzgerald, Logan
Elijah Mansker
Quentin Smith
Wyatt Sharp
Jayson Brewer
Savannah Crowe
Eric Ramos
Bullock, Logan
Gatewood, Ian
Davis, Wyatt
Smith, Lawton
Feal, Camden
Currie, Colin
Smith, Emery
Adkins, Valerie
Francis, Abigail
Periz-Guzman, Zory
Monroe, Zoe
Linnehan, Wyatt
Soblotne, Dani
Li, Owen
Ware, Lyric
Sorrells, Jason
Morris, Kenneth
Edwards, Janai
Kerce, Jacob
Savage, Mason
Yates, Tilly
Holt, Jaliyah
Siddons, Mary
Perkins, Anthony
Lozada-Smith Merry Ann
McCoy, Mason
Holker, Charlotte
Patton, Sophia
GUARDIAN PARENT LETTERS
Dear Parent and Guardian,
Congratulations! Your child was nominated to be inducted into the Guardians of the Triangle, a select leadership program at Dr. G.W. Carver Upper Elementary School. This program is designed to empower our students to become stewards of themselves, their community, and the environment and to cultivate a culture of stewardship within our school. The Guardians meet during Camp Wildcat, a connections class that meets from 8:45-9:20 each week.
The Guardians program offers your child the opportunity to:
-Lead our school in the Georgia Council on Outdoor Learning “COOL” Schoolyards Program, a statewide conservation and stewardship competition that will earn us prizes for our Outdoor Education program
-Lead our school in a seven step process by completing 24 Projects earning us the National Wildlife Federation and Foundation for Environmental Education EcoSchools Green Flag Award, a prestigious international accreditation award
- Represent our school at events and to distinguished visitors
-Serve as a Student Liaison with our Outdoor Education program partners such as Georgia Southern, UGA, the Georgia Forestry Commission, and Department of Natural Resources
- Participate in initiatives to achieve prestigious national recognition like earning a US Green Ribbon School nomination
- Lead by example in building positive school culture
- Engage in hands-on, student led projects on our 50+ acre campus, "The Triangle"
Students are nominated by teachers and administrators based on their leadership potential, commitment to school, and their enthusiasm for Outdoor Education. Guardians will receive special recognition and earn the National Green School Society’s Silver Leaf Award.
We believe this program will not only benefit your child's personal growth but also contribute significantly to our school community and the environment.
If you would like to be a Parent Volunteer for this program, please return the attached form.
Sincerely,
Karen Smith, Principal
Kari Wilcher, Outdoor Educator, kwilcher@bryan.k12.ga.us
Eco-Schools: https://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-US
COOL Schoolyard: https://www.eealliance.org/cool-schoolyards-program-overview.html
CARVER ELEMENTARY OUTDOOR EDUCATION
PARENT VOLUNTEER INTEREST
I would like to serve as a parent volunteer for Guardians of the Triangle, Camp Wildcat, and Carver’s Outdoor Education program. I will complete volunteer training and I can help with:
▢ Assist with school gardens, weekly watering of plants, landscaping, habitat maintenance, habitat creation, and habitat restoration
▢ Removing invasive species such as cattail, bladderwort, Chinese Tallow
▢ Help with “Crayfish of Carver: Operation Population,” a joint research project with Georgia Southern, SC Department of Natural Resources, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources
▢ Work with students on identifying and documenting species on campus
▢ Work with students on habitat assessment in the wetland, forest, or ditch
▢ Researching or writing funding and grant applications
▢ Helping with outdoor equipment donation drives
▢ Delivering workshops to classes, teaching a skill, sharing your profession or hobby with students, show and tell with a class, teaching about a species or topic
▢ Mentoring students as a positive buddy
▢ Sharing information and news with the community
▢ Help coordinate and plan one of the 24 Action Plan projects
▢ Work with community partners, establish opportunities for students, create projects and collaborations that focus on stewardship and conservation
▢ Lead students in field investigations, small group projects, outdoor recreation, survival skills, team building, camp crafts
▢ Donate materials to the Outdoor Education program such as old camping chairs, tents, outdoor recreation equipment, field guides and nature books, garden tools, etc.
CHILDS NAME: _________________
TEACHER: _______________________________________________
PARENT NAME: ___________________________________________
PARENT PHONE:__________________________________________
PARENT EMAIL: ___________________________________________
What is your availability for volunteering?
Questions? Kari Wilcher: kwilcher@bryan.k12.ga.us
Media Release Parent Letter
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The National Wildlife Federation’s EcoSchools Green Flag Certification is the highest level of recognition for a school’s sustained commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Achieving Green Flag status not only validates a school’s efforts on a national and international stage, but also fosters deeper community partnerships, enhances curriculum integration, and empowers students with real‐world leadership skills. Through rigorous documentation and evaluation, EcoSchools Green Flag Certification drives continuous improvement, ensuring that environmental stewardship becomes an enduring part of school culture.
Now, we will be sharing images and clips of Carver students completing projects in Outdoor Education as part of our application for the National Wildlife Federation’s EcoSchools Green Flag Certification. Your students’ work and voices will appear in our submission, demonstrating Carver’s commitment to environmental stewardship. We plan to submit our portfolio to NWF on June 6th, and we are excited to showcase the positive impact these experiences have had on every 4th and 5th grader.
Please return the signed NWF Youth Media Release form by MAY 16 so we can include your child’s participation in our application materials. If you have any questions or concerns, or prefer your child not be featured, feel free to contact me at kwilcher@bryan.k12.ga.us.
Thank you for supporting our students in this celebration of their work—and for helping Carver Elementary take this important next step toward Green Flag status!
Warmly,
Kari Wilcher
Outdoor Educator, Carver Elementary
kwilcher@bryan.k12.ga.us
GUARDIAN STUDENT LETTER
Congratulations! You have been nominated to become a Guardian of the Triangle. This is a special opportunity for you to become a leader in our school and help take care of our school. Guardians meet during Camp Wildcat Connection time. You are part of a team and represent your class. Being nominated means you are doing a great job and we believe in you!
As a Guardian, you will:
- Wear a special badge to show you're part of the team
- Have a special folder and have meetings to plan projects with your team
- Sign a promise to show you are committed to your responsibility
- Help take care of our school's outdoor areas and hallways
- Encourage your classmates with friendship and a positive attitude
- Meet important visitors and tell them about our school
- Learn about nature and teach other students what you learn
- Guardians will lead our school in completing 24 projects to earn the National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.
Being a Guardian means you're setting an example for other students. You'll be showing everyone how to take care of yourself, our school community, and the Earth.
As a Guardian, you will meet during Camp Wildcat and will work on projects with your team.
We're excited to see what you can do as a Guardian of the Triangle!
Congratulations,
Ms. Kari Wilcher
Outdoor Educator, Dr. G.W. Carver Upper Elementary School
P.S. I’m really, really proud of you! Keep up the great work, Wildcat!
GUARDIAN STUDENT PROMISE
As a Guardian of the Triangle, I promise to:
Be a Leader:
Stay positive
Help my friends
Support my team
Follow our school rules (PAWS)
Care for Our World:
Join in our activities
Take care of myself, my school, my community, and nature
Teach others how to be a steward
Be Responsible:
Follow safety rules
Respect animals and plants
Use school supplies properly
Keep Learning:
Join in class and activities
Learn about nature and animals
Share what I learn with others
Get Involved:
Help at school and community events
Encourage family and friends to take care of the Earth
Work with classmates on projects
Be Honest:
Always tell the truth
Take responsibility for my actions
Show our school values every day
By signing this promise, I agree to be a great Guardian of the Triangle!
Student Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________
GUARDIAN PROMISE
I am _____________.
I am a steward.
I take care of myself.
I take care of others.
I take care of my school.
I take care of the Earth.
EcoSchools Framework Connection
The Guardians of the Triangle embody every pillar of the EcoSchools Framework. Through place-based learning, they conduct field research—sampling water, monitoring wildlife, and restoring habitats—directly on Carver’s 50-acre campus. By applying systems thinking, they connect changes in water quality, vegetation, and species counts to understand ecosystem health holistically. Their action competency shines as they design protocols, lead peer trainings, and translate data into tangible conservation projects. Embracing community as classroom, Guardians partner with local experts—from the Ogeechee Riverkeeper to Georgia DNR—to bring professional knowledge into student-led investigations. Commitments to equity and inclusion ensure that all voices are heard—students mentor peers of varied abilities and share findings in multiple languages—so that every learner can contribute to and benefit from Carver’s environmental stewardship.
Partnerships and Community as a Classroom
The Guardians of the Triangle deepened their partnership with the Georgia Southern University Freshwater Ecology Lab by hosting a “Lunch & Learn” session on campus. Over boxed lunches in our conference room, student leaders engaged directly with lab researchers, asking questions about crayfish genetics, sampling methods, and watershed health in the Ogeechee River Basin. Students shared their own individual research and work. This informal yet focused gathering allowed Guardians to build rapport with scientists, refine their own investigation plans, and leave with a clearer understanding of how their citizen-science data supports real ecological research. It was an inspiring example of SDG 17 in action—partnerships that empower young changemakers and bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional science.
Student Reflection
Guardians of the Triangle reflect on their year with genuine pride and a newfound sense of purpose. Many describe feeling empowered as they led habitat restorations, collected biodiversity data, and guided peers through citizen-science projects—activities that deepened their connection to Carver’s ecosystems and the wider community. They speak of excitement when sharing findings with scientists and of satisfaction knowing their efforts directly improved water quality and wildlife habitat. For several, acting as a Guardian sparked confidence in their ability to make real change; one student noted, “I never thought kids could find so many species at school.” Across the board, reflections highlight camaraderie, growing environmental responsibility, and a belief that their voices truly matter in shaping Carver’s sustainable future.
“Helping nature is a big dream come true,” Collette O.
“I love..how we got to look at all different things in nature,” Aurelia B.
“...we get to protect animals and put them in a safe habitat” -Anthony D.
“...at the start of the year, nobody really cared...but we made an entire ecosystem. It’s something to be proud of. ” -Logan F.
“I’m an inside person. I don’t really like the outside but all of our projects has made me enjoy the outside more. ” -Case
Curriculum Integration and Alignment
Carver’s student leadership team, The Guardians, played a central role in advancing the school’s EcoSchools Green Flag certification by modeling environmental stewardship, facilitating peer education, and leading action-based conservation projects. Their work aligned with the NWF EcoSchools Framework, particularly under the Curriculum, Community and Leadership, and Wildlife and Biodiversity pathways. Guardians conducted biodiversity surveys, organized audits, and mentored peers during outdoor investigations, demonstrating student agency, cross-curricular integration, and place-based learning—core principles of both the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Guidelines for Excellence and Georgia’s Excellence in Environmental Education Best Practices. Through consistent engagement in fieldwork, journaling, project planning, and public presentations, Guardians embodied 21st-century competencies such as collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and civic responsibility. Their leadership ensured the entire school community was involved in meaningful environmental learning and action, setting a standard for student-led transformation.
Planning For The Future
Looking ahead to Year 2, the Guardians of the Triangle will build on their successes by expanding student-led projects and deepening community partnerships. They plan to refine data‐collection protocols—adding nighttime surveys for nocturnal species—and pilot a digital dashboard of species and habtiats on campus so every Guardian can track biodiversity and water‐quality trends in real time. Habitat restorations will grow to include a new pollinator corridor connecting our rain garden to the bioswale, while compost and vermicompost operations will scale to serve all grade levels. Guardians will also mentor a “Green Ambassador” cohort of 3rd graders, ensuring leadership continuity. Collaborating further with the Richmond Hill Garden Club, UGA Marine Extension and Sea Grant, Carver families, and the Ogeechee Riverkeeper, they aim to formalize an ADA‐accessible nature trail with interpretive stations, making our outdoor classroom truly inclusive. Finally, Year 2 will feature a schoolwide Earth and Arts Night—showcasing student research posters, digital field guides, and live demonstrations—to celebrate progress and inspire the entire Carver community toward our next Green Flag milestones.