Jessie Rosenthal and Leanna Ramus

Abstract:

The goal of this project is to inspire students to learn about and interact with their natural environment, and to apply the knowledge they come away with to their everyday lives. We propose to run four scavenger hunts during each academic year with the aim to teach students about the flora and fauna that can be found on campus during different seasons. Eight small waterproof boxes will be purchased and hidden near trees, rocks, and bushes; within each box will be samples and/or photos of respective species. Participating students will use a map containing clues to navigate campus on their own or in a group. As a reward for completing the scavenger hunt, students will receive a shoutout on Siena’s biodiversity instagram account or a small treat. Students may take the hunt a step further and take photos of the actual living species around campus and upload them to the environmental department’s iNaturalist account. The prize for this will be a $20 gift certificate to the Siena bookstore.