Huntsville, AL-- Lee High School’s Green Ambassadors, led by science teacher Kevin McDonald, have officially launched their second year partnering with the Land Trust of North Alabama (LTNA) through an ongoing Environmental Science initiative to make campus more sustainable and wildlife-friendly.
This year’s project focuses on creating a bird-friendly campus, expanding on last year’s work that culminated in the planting of native species across Lee High’s grounds. On Monday, the Green Ambassadors welcomed Laura Lambert, Naturalist Educator with the Land Trust of North Alabama, who introduced students to the world of birding and the importance of biodiversity.
Lambert discussed how birding can be an accessible and rewarding hobby for everyone, teaching students to identify birds by shape, size, color patterns, and habitat, and highlighting the use of digital tools and apps that support citizen science. Students then headed outdoors to the courtyard to practice binocular skills and field guide techniques, identifying local bird species in real time.
“Birding is incredibly accessible,” Lambert said. “No matter your age, financial status, or education—birding is for everyone.”
Senior Saniya Davis reflected on her experience, saying, “We had so much fun working with [the Land Trust of North Alabama] last year, and I learned so much about native species and birds, including getting to hold my first bird on our field trip last spring. I’m excited to see what we do this year, especially with our new and returning members.”
Fellow student Molly Masterson added, “I’ve been exploring more Environmental Science-related college tracks because of the stuff we’ve been doing, and it’s definitely been showing me I have a passion for these things I never considered.”
Throughout the year, the Green Ambassadors will continue to collaborate with LTNA to make Lee High’s campus safer and more welcoming for birds by installing bird-safe window films, creating small bird protection areas, and participating in migratory bird counts. Students will also explore career pathways in ornithology, biology, and environmental science through connections with local universities such as Alabama A&M.
Lee High is deeply grateful for its continuing partnership with the Land Trust of North Alabama and the opportunities it provides for students to engage in meaningful, hands-on environmental learning.