Texas Quail Forever Biologist Tavin Dotson hands a student seed donated by Bamert Native Seed company.
Quail Forever & Texas AgriSTEM Program Partner on Outdoor Sustainability Classroom
On a cloudy December day in Lubbock, Texas, collaboration took root.
High school students from the AgriSTEM Laboratory and Integrated Studies program, a program designed to prepare students for agricultural careers with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), joined forces with Tavin Dotson, Coordinating Wildlife Biologist from Quail Forever, and Dr. Scott Longing, alongside select entomology students from Texas Tech University.
Their goal? To transform two acres of land into a unique outdoor classroom—a haven for pollinators and native grasses, fostering environmental understanding and practical learning.
The goal of this unique partnership is to transform two acres of land into a unique outdoor classroom—a haven for pollinators and native grasses, fostering environmental understanding and practical learning. In the foreground is the seeding site prior to planting and in the background is the playa lake.
Thanks to a generous seed donation from Bamert Native Seed, the project transcended institutional boundaries. Students, researchers, and staff worked together, learning soil preparation techniques, carefully sowing seeds, and nurturing the potential for a flourishing ecosystem. This wasn’t just about planting native seed; it was also about planting seeds of knowledge and awareness.
Dr. Scott Longing teaches the basics of broadcast seeding to AgriSTEM students.
“This project aligns perfectly with Quail Forever’s mission of educating current and future generations about the importance of habitat,” said Dotson, highlighting the broader goal of cultivating responsible land stewards.
Looking beyond the initial planting, these plots hold immense potential. They will transform into vibrant outdoor classrooms where students can explore the amazing things the land around them has to offer through hands-on activities like seed collection, observation documentation, and citizen science projects. These experiences aim to ignite a passion for environmental stewardship, empowering students to become active participants in protecting their unique ecosystem.
Students get ready to broadcast seed on the prepared site.
The project’s significance extends far beyond the two acres. It stands as a testament to the critical role playa lakes play in the High Plains, acting as natural reservoirs and biodiversity hotspots. By understanding and appreciating these vital ecosystems, students gain the knowledge and tools to advocate for their preservation.
Students get ready to broadcast seed on the prepared site.
Dr. Longing of Texas Tech, a partner in this project, shared his vision for the future, stating, “This initiative is just the beginning. We aim to expand it, creating more outdoor classrooms and research opportunities, inspiring students to become the next generation of agricultural and conservation leaders.”
Potential future steps include:
» Expanding partnerships: Collaborating with local conservation organizations to involve students in ongoing monitoring and management of the playa lake ecosystem.
» Securing funding: Expanding the project’s scope by creating additional outdoor classrooms and research opportunities.
» Developing curriculum: Integrating the playa lake plots into science and land management-focused curriculum, and utilizing them as real-world learning laboratories.
» Community outreach: Organizing events to educate the public about the importance of playa lake conservation and responsible land management.
By taking these steps, this collaboration can become a beacon of agricultural education, inspiring future generations to become responsible stewards of their land.