School Campus Map
Get a copy of the school campus map from the administrator or school system office that you can easily edit and on which you can include your site evaluation notes. The map should include the following:

Site Evaluation
Set up a meeting with your local Habitat Learning Lab Consultant and your planning committee to evaluate your campus. This should be scheduled after organizing your planning committee and enrolling in the Habitat Learning Lab Program. Also, invite your local Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Agent to assist with the evaluation if s/he is available. Provide copies of the Site Evaluation Checklist for all planning committee members to use during the site evaluation.

Note the following on your Site Evaluation Checklist:

> Site Availability – Do not consider sites where future construction projects such as new buildings, parking lots, playgrounds or portables are planned.

> Travel Time – Choose a site that is close to the school building and easily accessible so that teachers can limit travel time to 5-minutes or less and maximize activity time; otherwise, the teachers will not use the Habitat Learning Lab for educational purposes due to their hectic schedules.

> Accessibility to ALL Students – Make sure that your Habitat Learning Lab site is accessible to all students, including your students with disabilities or special needs (such as wheelchair access).

> Site Size – Take measurements of the potential site(s) with your students. Keep in mind that a half-acre courtyard area is easier to maintain than an acre or more of land/forest near the school…smaller can be better.

> Directional Orientation – Note the directional orientation (north, south, east and west) on your map to help determine which areas will receive the most sun and wind exposure.

> Sun Exposure – Note how much sun exposure your potential Habitat Learning Lab site(s) receive at different times of day and during different times of the year to help determine which species of plants to include. Southern or western exposures tend to receive the most sunlight and afternoon heat, whereas northern or northeastern exposures receive the least. Also, think about how the angle of the sun changes due to the tilt of the Earth during different seasons of the year.

> Erosion or Drainage Problems – Avoid areas with erosion or drainage problems unless it is an area where the problem can be remediated by installing French drains, a rain garden, plants and/or by other means.

> Water Sources – Identify natural water sources like streams, wetlands or ponds that provide suitable areas for hands-on aquatic study activities with students. Also, look for spigots, downspouts, rain barrels, and sprinklers that can be used to water your plants. Confirm that the water spigots work properly, and if they don’t contact your maintenance department.

> Wildlife Habitat – Assess the habitat (food, water, shelter & places to raise young) available for backyard wildlife. (See the Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat Tips.)

> Electricity Sources – Look for electrical outlets in case you need access to electricity for an activity or a learning station (such as the pump on a backyard pond).

> Soil Quality & Soil Type – Contact your county Extension office or garden supply center for information and tools on how to conduct a soil test to help you determine your soil type and the species of plants and trees that can grow in your Habitat Learning Lab site.

> Watershed – Map the watershed around your school including where run-off from buildings and paved areas collect and which areas drain quickly or are very dry. Research the rivers and watersheds near you using the Auburn University Water Resources Center website at http://aaes.auburn.edu/wrc/resource/rivers-of-alabama/.

> Topography – Note the elevation and slope. For example, hills and rises may provide a good location for an amphitheater, but may not be easily accessible; whereas low areas may collect water and remain “mucky,” making them ideal for an artificial wetland or rain garden. When building a nature trail on a slope, consider creating a trail that winds left and right with switchbacks to minimize the slope for wheelchairs and to reduce potential erosion.

> Geology – Research the geological characteristics found in your county; and, if possible, collect and identify different types of rocks around your school grounds.

> Wind Direction – If needed, plant evergreens to help protect your Habitat Learning Lab area from potentially high winds, keeping in mind that the weather systems typically travel from west to east across Alabama.

> Foot Traffic – Note any areas that contain foot paths utilized by students, teachers, and the community, and consider formalizing the path with a walkway to direct the traffic through the Habitat Learning Lab site without disturbing it.

> Safety Hazards – Check for any nearby hazards or safety concerns such as poison ivy, wasp nests, or busy streets around your Habitat Learning Lab.

> Litter & Vandalism Issues – Identify any potential sources for litter or vandalism around your Habitat Learning Lab site. (Review the Vandalism Reduction Tips.)

> Low Maintenance – Choose and design your Habitat Learning Lab with minimal maintenance needs in mind. Remember, planting native plants and trees will reduce your watering responsibilities.

> Non-native, Invasive Plants – If possible, identify and remove all non-native, invasive plants and replace them with natives. (Contact your local Alabama Cooperative Extension System office for free assistance with the identification of non-native plants.)

> Neighbors – Note the land use on adjacent properties. Neighbors who also manage their property for wildlife can be beneficial, whereas businesses and streets may create danger zones and/or loud noise. Consider planting a line of evergreens such as American or yaupon hollies to create a natural fence-line if needed.

Choose your Habitat Learning Lab(s)
After reviewing your potential Habitat Learning Lab sites, your local Habitat Learning Lab Consultant will help you determine which site(s) would provide the best Habitat Learning Lab location. Try to choose one central location for your Habitat Learning Lab site instead of having the outdoor learning stations spread out over your campus. After filling out your Site Evaluation Form, mark the location of the potential Habitat Learning Lab site(s) you hope to develop on your campus map.

Site Approval Form
Once a site is chosen, your local Habitat Learning Lab Consultant will submit a Site Approval Form and Google Earth map of the site. These must be reviewed and signed by your principal and your school system’s Buildings and Maintenance Supervisor to verify where any underground hazards or utility lines are located so the utilities can be marked on the Habitat Learning Lab schematic and avoided during the construction phase.