Students at Carpenters Middle School have had a unique opportunity to view wildlife on their school grounds this year thanks to the donation of two trail cameras.
- CMS Assistant Principal Mike Crabtree talks to students about the trail cameras that were donated to the school
In the summer of 2008, Carpenters Middle School initiated a wildlife management project using the forest on the grounds of both CMS and Carpenters Elementary School.
The area behind CES has been previously used for science classes to conduct wildlife studies such as habitat exploration and population counts. To expand these studies, Moultrie Products, a leader in wild game outdoors products such as feeders and trail cameras, donated two trail cameras to monitor the area for wildlife.
Since last fall, pictures have been regularly collected from the cameras and posted on a school website. Wild animals such as deer, turkey, foxes, squirrels, skunk, and raccoon have been photographed. The website has catalogued many of the pictures.
In addition, students have been responsible for maintaining the cameras, photos, and adding content to the website, such as an instrumental music selection compiled by eighth grader Taylor Breeden. The area and cameras have also allowed students to study wildlife habits, such as feeding times, travel routes, and communication signs.
CMS and CES plan on adding a walking trail and foot bridges to the area to aid in watching wildlife.
Mike Crabtree, Assistant Principal, Carpenters Middle School