Beginning in April, NC and the Eco Warriors club partnered up to bring a surprise for the livelihood of the community. As a discussion around the school and mainly among the Eco Warrior club members, the school remains a bit dull until the decision of inviting special guest, Poison Ivy, comes to a conclusion.
Poison Ivy receives stereotypes since it obtains leaves that cause rash and discomfort when brought in contact with skin, but it proves to contribute a numerous of upsides. The plant remains a personal favorite of certain species, like songbirds, which will add a chirp to students’ classes. Along with the new addition to the school, Poison Ivy can also bring lessons such as caution and respect for nature. Since no one would willingly obtain a rash, the Eco Warriors plants would remain safe from stampedes.
Still, while the plant’s beauty reforms the school, the inclusion of Poison Ivy means an immense amount of rashes for the staff and students will come about. Even with the ample benefits Poison Ivy holds, severe reactions can still occur, especially with the plant existing all around the school. According to the CDC, when exposed to 50 micrograms of urushiol, the coating on the leaves and an amount that constitutes one grain of table salt, 80% to 90% of adults will develop a rash. The best case would remain the avoidance of planting the Poison Ivy in hopes of not coming into contact with the rash-inducing plant.
The school agreed to bring in Poison Ivy per the Eco Warriors’ request because of the learning opportunities it brings. It can prove a creative way to mix science and their normal outdoor activities. The club members believed the exciting new plant would allow students to think about how different plants affect the environment. The students could use this chance to study the Poison Ivy up close, its growth patterns, its role in the ecosystem and how it interacts with other plants.
“To get the school on board with our ‘crazy’ idea, I just told Mr. Moody the many benefits of the plant, such as the low maintenance and how it can prevent soil erosion. Kids should not walk on the grass and our plants, but they still choose to do so. Once we get the Poison Ivy around the school, our plants will be safe from the students’ trampling. I believe this plant will cause some conflict, but I trust this plant will be better for the Eco Warriors,” Biology teacher Grant McDurmon said.
With common knowledge that traditional lawns need constant care and attention, Poison Ivy does not need much. In theory, this would prove a way to save maintenance needs and keep the campus green in a multitude of ways. Eco Warriors club members grow excited about how the Poison Ivy would create a wilder school environment and tune in a majority of the students with nature. With the climate that Poison Ivy can live in, the summer will create a perfect time for the newest addition.
April Fools, you fool!
XOXO,
The Chant
