 |
Meet Tommy the Tortoise! |
The Agua Fria-New River NRCD partnered with Scott Libby Elementary School to complete the Desert Tortoise Habitat Project. The habitat was developed at Scott Libby's outdoor classroom, named Project Preserve.
Project Preserve is a 20 acre outdoor classroom that is used to promote environmental and cultural education within the Litchfield Elementary School District. The school district includes four elementary schools. Project Preserve has several stations, including a simulated Hohokam village, agriculture, a desert wash, upland, and a wetland with desert pupfish. Corresponding curriculum has been develop to enhance the learning opportunities at the Preserve.
Prior to the start of this project, Scott Libby administrators spoke with the Arizona Science Center about adopting a desert tortoise. The Center agreed if the school provided habitat approved by Arizona Game and Fish Department. The NRCD and Scott Libby worked to establish the habitat and improve the Project Preserve experience for children.
Project DescriptionTony Kellems is a member of the local Boy Scout Troop. Wanting to get his Eagle Scout badge, he agreed to plan and implement the project.
 |
Tony Kellems planned and led construction of the habitat |
He consulted with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (G&F) and the Phoenix Zoo to draw plans for the habitat. The plans include two burrows to allow for the possibility of a second adoption. Once the plans were approved by G&F, Tony collected the materials he would need for construction. Tony received cash donations from the Men's Club, Knights of Columbus, and White Tanks Rotary Club. He also received material or equipment donations from Arizona Machinery, Superlite Block Company, Bedrock Stone Company, and West Valley Signs. Tony's Boy Scout Troop built the habitat in late summer 1998.
 |
Tony's scout troop at work |
During the planning and construction of the project, the teachers of Scott Libby were engaged in teacher training on environmental education. During this time, the teachers were instructed on several teaching tools available to them. These tools, including field tested curriculum and educational supplies, are used in activity-based teaching. In addition, the teachers developed curriculum on the desert tortoise to be included in the Project Preserve curriculum.
Once the habitat was complete, the G&F approved the habitat. The Scott Libby fifth graders and the NRCD held a welcoming party for the tortoise on November 9, 1998.
Tony and the fifth graders at Scott Libby Elementary School welcome the newest resident of Project Preserve |
 |
Each year, the fifth grade class will be charged with maintenance of the habitat and feeding the tortoise. During the summer months, the Boy Scouts will maintain the habitat.
There is an extra burrow for a second tortoise. Perhaps in a few years, Scott Libby will be ready to adopt a partner for its tortoise.