The Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems (GLADE) is a weeklong academy for high school juniors and seniors. This year’s GLADE was June 16-21.

“GLADE provides an opportunity for students already interested in the outdoors to meet other students, expand their experiences and knowledge and meet professionals in the field,” said Dr. Janice Greene, director of Bull Shoals Field Station.

More than 15 students were chosen to attend GLADE.

About GLADE

GLADE gets students in nature. Each year, students work on a habitat restoration project. This year’s project was the removal of a grove of the Tree of Heaven. The Tree of Heaven is a fern-like invasive species of tree that is hard to eradicate.

In addition, students banded birds and tested water quality in Bull Shoals Lake and Bee Creek. Students also learned about the ecology of fire.

They visited Chase Studio to get a different perspective on careers. Chase Studio is a natural science museum.

Greene said the best parts are watching the students restore habitat and band birds.

“They can see that they can have a positive effect on the environment even at their age,” Greene said. “They get a sense of accomplishment.”

The major sponsors of GLADE are the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society along with Bull Shoals Field Station.