Blue Springs South High School opened its doors eleven years ago. From the very beginning, the school has made a sincere commitment to environmental education. In its first year, a group recognized as JAWS (Jaguars Against Waste) established a school-wide recycling program that continues to this day. The program has been expanded to include ink jet cartridges, batteries, cellular phones, and other electronic components.

Three years ago, three environmental science students suggested that they make an attempt to restore a highly visible portion of Young Park to native Missouri prairie. The group worked in conjunction with Cornell University's Project Feeder Watch program. They installed bird feeders and hatched quail for release on the prairie. The students monitored the water quality of the park pond and reported their findings to city officials. The park also received recognition as an official "Outdoor Classroom" through the Missouri Department of Conservation and has been recognized as an official "Outdoor Habitat" by the National Wildlife Federation.

The AP environmental science students also planned the school's first ever "Earth Day" celebration. During the event, over 300 native, eco-typed Missouri prairie plants were planted with help of over 250 elementary students. During the 2003-2004 season, the size of the prairie tripled. The quail population increased by an astonishing 300%! The park has had a positive impact on several educational disciplines at the school. Art, creative writing, physical education and even some foreign language classes use the site frequently. Students are also planning to work on the wetland area and intend to install interpretive signage in the woodland habitat. They also plan to devote a small area to several species of rare, native Missouri orchids.

According to The Nature Conservancy, "The students and Mr. Hannaman exemplify the mission of The Nature Conservancy through their dedication to protect biodiversity with the Young Park Prairie Project. We applaud the comprehensive, scientific planning at the core of this project. Specifically, we are impressed with the conservation tools in place: prescribed burn plans, prairie seed stratification and the re-introduction of native species.

The students recognize that community outreach and work with private and public partners are key to the success of this program. We are inspired by the passion and commitment to environmental stewardship that the students at Blue Springs South High School demonstrate."