Floating wetland at the Kearney Outdoor Learning Area (KOLA), (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Students from Kearney High School (KHS) partnered with University of Nebraska at Kearney professor Dr. Mary Harner and University of Nebraska–Lincoln professors Dr. Aaron Mittelstet and Dr. Steve Comfort to launch a new research initiative at the Kearney Outdoor Learning Area (KOLA), located on the south side of the KHS campus.
The research team is investigating nature-based, bioengineering approaches to improve water quality. At the heart of this work is a floating wetland newly installed in the KOLA pond. The wetland is planted with sedges, whose root systems host microorganisms capable of converting nitrate ions into nitrogen gas—a process that naturally reduces contamination and enhances water quality in the pond and downstream in Turkey Creek.
KHS science students played a key role in constructing and launching the floating wetland and will continue monitoring the site through summer and into the next school year. Time-lapse cameras were installed to document changes to the site over time; these cameras are part of the Platte Basin Timelapse project (https://plattebasintimelapse.com/), a long-term storytelling effort highlighting water, landscapes, and people across the Platte River Basin.
Dr. Mary Harner, whose work focuses on the intersections of science, multimedia, and place-based education, brings deep expertise in water systems and public engagement.
“This project connects students directly to real-world environmental science,” said Alison Klein. “They’re learning by doing, contributing meaningfully to research that addresses regional water quality concerns.”
Public Access to KOLA
The Kearney Outdoor Learning Area is open to the public from dawn to dusk, except during school hours (8:00 AM – 3:45 PM), when it is reserved for educational use. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the space and observe the ongoing research, but they are reminded that this is an active research site. For safety and preservation purposes, the site is closed to the public after dark.
To learn more about the Kearney Outdoor Learning Area and its educational mission, please visit: https://outdoorclassne.com/
For more information about this project or to get involved, contact Alison Klein (aliklein@kearneycats.com), Mary Harner (harnermj@unk.edu) or Aaron Mittelstet (amittelstet2@unl.edu).
