Vandals Trash Nationally Acclaimed School Nature Center
by Kenny Luna, North Babylon, NY on 07.14.08
When Hillside Intermediate began their butterfly garden back in 1997 they probably had no idea that one day it would grow to 7 acres worth of carefully reconstructed wildlife habitat devoted to biodiversity that would earn awards from institutions like the Jane Goodall Institute and National Wildlife Federation. And no one could have predicted the enormous damage inflicted by vandals intent on destroying their hard work, even plugging up the entry to a bluebird box with golf balls and killing the chicks inside.
Of course, there’s often a brighter side when caring, decent human beings work together. And the outpouring of support shows just how much impact a community effort like this one in Bridgewater can have on an entire town.
As Katrina Macht, a teacher at Hillside Intermediate and the leader of the nature project behind the school put it, "The outpouring of kindness after the vandalism from the community was remarkable."
National Organizations Lend Hand to New Jersey School
After the worst of it, in June, about 100 volunteers turned out to repair the damage. The Humane Society posted a $2,500 reward, because of the five baby bluebirds that were killed and Crime Stoppers put up $500, which they added another $1,000 this week when vandals returned and did more damage to the school.
And community members can’t wait to get their hands on the vandals who’ve turned their nationally recognized effort upside down.
Perhaps a TreeHugger out there in New Jersey who has an inkling of who might be behind this and can offer a tip that can help put these folks where they belong?
via: NJ, MyCentralJersey
More On Nature Programs for Kids
Kids Have Fun Exploring Trees Inside and Out
Schools Cool the Earth, Cancel a Car
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- How to Create a Backyard Wildlife Habitat
- Agriculture Needs a Fundamental Rethink in the 21st Century
- Aldo Leopold
- Biruté Galdikas
This type of crime is as low as it gets. I really hope they catch these low lives. Keep us updated...
I have to wonder what kind of people have done this. Are they idiots trying to make an anti-ecological statement? Or are they idiots just trying to destroy other peoples hard work.
Either way, I really REALLY hope they get busted and have the book thrown at them.
Since it is an intermediate schools, I am going to take a guess and say it was some stupid middle schooler thinking they were doing something cool. I bet all the students know who did it, all they need to do is find the kid
@ug333,
I wondered that myself. I suppose it really doesn't matter. Whatever the motivation, it is inexcusable. However, it wouldn't surprise me if this was some kind of attack against "tree-hugging liberals" -- some assh*le kids trying to impress their right wing, Rush Limbaugh-obsessed parents.
At least that's one possibility. I mean, you have to be pretty hate-filled to be slaying baby birds.
So, who wants to hold them down while I get some golf balls? 'People' like this really need a serious attitude adjustment.