From student idea to thriving habitat

What began as a vision by freshmen Javier Gomez and Wiktor Mindowicz four years ago has grown into a thriving pocket prairie at West Leyden.

Now, thanks to a fully funded $6,000 Power for Good grant from ComEd and Openlands, the pocket prairie on the West Leyden campus will expand to more than 3,000 square feet.

The project will include new signage, a nesting box and webcams, creating an interactive learning space for students while providing valuable habitat for native wildlife, including monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and migrating birds.

What started with a student idea has blossomed into a hands-on learning experience and a lasting contribution to the West Leyden campus.