Community Collaboration creates Wildlife Pond at Mayo School

2020 saw a collaboration-between Leave No Trace Ireland, the Local Authority Waters Programme, Westport Tidy Towns and the staff and pupils of Rice College, Westport Co Mayo . This collaboration resulted in the design and creation of a wildlife pond on the school grounds.  The project began with  an ecological survey of the Carrowbeg  River adjacent to Rice College, which found the river had reasonable water quality and good potential for increased biodiversity.  RIce College students particpated in online webinars with ecologist and Leave No Trace Trainer Dr. Karina Dingerkus and learned about the wonders of riparaian habitats, and how they can enhance the local biodiversity through their efforts.  Students aided in the planting of native wildflowers. This biodiversity pond demonstrates the impact of collaboration and will serve as a biodiversity haven in the future.