Rural Communities

Little school on the prairie: How keeping school land wild can combat climate change

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A compact corner of land sprawls within a sea of Nebraska farmland, and Prairie Heights Community School claims ownership. However, no structures stand on the land; it is completely undeveloped. This school district is pioneering a revolutionary approach to climate change mitigation: safeguarding undeveloped school lands rather than selling them for development. Research shows that preserving these lands can make a significant impact on carbon capture, benefiting both the school district and the planet.

How a Vacant School Building Became a Symbol of Loss and a Source of Hope for a Small Town

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When the town’s grand school building fell silent, its empty halls whispered a tale of loss, echoing the footsteps of students who once filled its corridors with youthful energy. Yet, amidst the decay, a flicker of hope emerged. The dilapidated structure, once a symbol of abandonment, became a canvas for the community’s resilience. As artists transformed its bare walls into vibrant murals and its classrooms into community spaces, the former symbol of emptiness became a beacon of potential, breathing new life into the heart of a small town that refused to let its spirit fade.