Introduction
November 17-18, 2025 | Mashpee, Massachusetts
Over two inspiring days in November 2025, more than 200 students at Mashpee Middle/High School on Cape Cod participated in an extraordinary hands-on science education experience—building their very own wetland ecosystem right on their school campus.
Watch The Wetland Come To Life
Mashpee High School Media Teacher Charles Nilosek captured this remarkable project in a documentary-style video that showcases the entire wetland construction process:
The Vision Behind The Project
Science Teacher Shona (Laishona) Vitelli conceived this ambitious project several years ago after learning about the Living Lab program that had successfully built wetlands at eight different schools across Cape Cod. “I thought this is incredible,” Vitelli explains in the video. “Every school should have one of these.”
After researching who was behind the successful Cape Cod school wetland program, Vitelli connected with Ian Ives, Sanctuary Director with Mass Audubon, and Tom Biebighauser of Wetland Restoration & Training LLC. With grant funding secured, the team moved forward with creating what would become a permanent outdoor classroom and living laboratory.
Why Build A Wetland On Cape Cod’s Sandy Soil?
Cape Cod presents unique challenges for wetland creation due to its sandy soil composition. As Biebighauser explains in the video, “On the Cape, we have a sandy soil. So most water will percolate right down through the ground and won’t pool. So this is a technique to allow us to build wetlands anywhere we want.”
The solution? An aquatic-safe, non-toxic liner system that’s buried underground to hold water, creating a permanent wetland habitat that will support wildlife for generations to come.
A similar wetland built in April 2016 at Falmouth Academy
Hands-On Learning for Every Student
The Mashpee wetland project exemplifies the educational philosophy that learning happens best when students can directly engage with the subject matter. During the two-day construction period, students:
- Surveyed and cleared the land of brush and tree stumps
- Learned about soil science, distinguishing between sand, silt, and clay textures
- Operated alongside professional equipment, watching an excavator create the wetland basin
- Installed the specialized liner that would hold the water
- Placed large woody debris to create habitat structures
- Seeded and mulched the site with straw to promote vegetation
Throughout the process, Biebighauser engaged students in real-time education, asking questions like: “Do you think this is sand, silt, or clay?” and explaining concepts like soil horizons, topsoil formation, and the mineral layers beneath.
A similar wetland built in April 2017 at Falmouth Academy
Practical Applications Across the Curriculum
This centrally-located wetland serves as more than just a science project. As Vitelli notes, “It fits very well in with our science curriculum. We can learn about wetlands, habitat diversity, and human impacts on water quality. We can measure and study changes in the vernal pool—or simply use it as a place for relaxation and taking a walk.”
The wetland enables students to:
- Conduct water quality sampling
- Study aquatic invertebrates and wildlife
- Observe seasonal changes in the ecosystem
- Apply mathematical concepts (calculating diameter, radius, and volume)
- Understand engineering principles
- Explore ecological relationships
A similar wetland built in April 2017 at Lawrence School
A Lasting Legacy
The 40-foot diameter wetland was strategically positioned near the school for easy access during class periods. As Biebighauser emphasizes, “This should last forever and it’s open to the entire school population.”
Unlike natural wetlands found in low-lying areas across Cape Cod, this wetland sits on higher ground, making it easily accessible to students, teachers, and the community. A welcoming sign invites visitors: “Welcome. This is our Mashpee vernal pool. You are welcome here. Please come and enjoy it and either just sit and relax or learn a little bit about the species that live here.”
Part of a Larger Movement
The Mashpee High School wetland represents one of eight school wetlands that Tom Biebighauser and Ian Ives have helped build on Cape Cod, collectively giving thousands of students the opportunity to learn firsthand about wetland restoration, wildlife habitat, and environmental stewardship.
Biebighauser has built over 250 wetlands at elementary, middle, high school, and university campuses across North America, each serving as an outdoor classroom where students can connect with nature and develop a deeper understanding of ecosystem function and conservation.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to:
- Shona Vitelli, Science Teacher, for her vision and dedication to bringing this project to life
- Ian Ives, Mass Audubon Sanctuary Director
- Tom R. Biebighauser, Wetland Restoration & Training LLC
- Charles Nilosek, Media Teacher and videographer (PRTV)
- Drone New England for aerial footage
- The faculty, staff, and 200+ students of Mashpee Middle/High School
- The grant programs that funded this educational initiative
Building Your Own School Wetland
If you’re an educator or administrator interested in creating a living science lab at your school, Wetland Restoration and Training LLC can help you design, plan, and build a wetland that will serve as an outdoor classroom for generations of students. Contact us to discuss your project.
Tom Biebighauser is available for school wetland projects, workshops, and consultations. Learn more about building naturally functioning wetlands that require little to no maintenance in his books Wetland Restoration and Construction: A Technical Guide and Wetland Drainage, Restoration, and Repair.
