Seeds of Stewardship - Georgia Tech GT2

Supported by the Georgia Tech for Georgia's Tomorrow initiative, this collaborative project bridges cutting-edge marine research and K-12 education through an innovative partnership with Georgia Tech’s Kostka Lab. By translating active Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) microbe research from Sapelo Island into accessible, storytelling-driven science, the initiative engages elementary students directly in authentic field methods—including plant root sampling, sample preparation, and growing cordgrass for ongoing coastal research. Honored as a model for public impact, this work demystifies complex ecological data, fosters early environmental stewardship, and is featured in Georgia Tech’s statewide "Research for Real Life" campaign. Georgia Tech has supported us generously with inkind support, field method training, research and curriculum consultation, and equipment donations including a class set of boots, a class set of portable viewing docks, centrifuge tubes, and bottles for sampling.

The Carver and RHES Outdoor Education program are supported by the Kostka Lab at Georgia Tech, the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER Project, and the University of Georgia Marine Institute to strengthen and support our schoolyard biodiversity stewardship. Our students will be conducting research studying the Juncus (a rush plant) in our schoolyard and how it can be used to reduce erosion and increase native habitat for the Ogeechee River Basin. We will be growing Spartina alterniflora at our school with support from Georgia Tech's Kostka Lab, Georgia Southern's Joesting's Lab, and the Georgia Southern Sustainable Aquaponics Research Center (SARC) in partnership with Georgia DNR, University of Georgia Marine Institute, and Sapelo Island.