Our location is especially unique because many spots on our campus are considered wetlands. You may see large fields of cattails and tall grasses within shallow water. These plants naturally purify the runoff water around us!

The forests we live near have very fertile soil. The soil is so rich because of bacteria that break down the fallen leaves and plants; the bacteria release nutrients into the soil, and in turn, the nutrients keep the living plants and trees healthy. Our biome has the second more nutrient-rich soil!

A natural ecosystem needs both biotic and abiotic factors in order to thrive! A few organisms commonly found in PA ecosystems are the fox squirrel, groundhog, milk snake, and the armyworm. Plants include many types of fern, red maple tree, eastern white pine, and the winterberry bush. Aside from living/nonliving factors, ecosystems need healthy soil, sunlight, and a sustained amount of water. Micro-organisms like bacteria, protists, and fungi help to keep the rich.