Teacher engages Victorville students with local plant life

Audrey Longshore, a high school biology teacher in Victorville, is working to educate her students about the native plants of the High Desert. She believes these plants are beautiful and important for the environment. Recently, she discussed their benefits, including how they can be used in landscaping and how climate change is affecting their growth. Longshore introduced her students to local plants like creosote bushes and rubber rabbitbrush. These plants are special because they thrive in the desert and provide joy to the community. She has encouraged her students to study these plants and understand their roles in the ecosystem. One significant project involves growing baby creosote bushes from seeds. Students will start the process in class and take the young plants home, even if that means keeping them in containers. She hopes this experience will help students connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the High Desert. Longshore highlighted several benefits of using native plants in gardens. They require very little water and can survive long periods without rain. Additionally, native plants attract local pollinators, like the California digger bee, which are more effective than nonnative bees. She also pointed out that native plants can help prevent fires, making them safer choices for landscaping. Many of her students have limited space for planting, but Longshore is determined to find creative ways for them to engage with native flora. She believes that understanding the importance of these plants will inspire her students to take care of their desert environment as they grow into responsible citizens.