The Backyard Ecosystem Project is a cross curricular endeavor in which students will build a sustainable butterfly garden with a recirculating pond. The pump for the pond will be powered by solar energy through the use of a small photovoltaic panel. In cooperation with the Elmcrest Maintenance staff, a site will be prepared for students to plant this garden and assemble the pond. This will involve skills such as planning, engineering, geometric layouts and design. Wildlife will be encouraged to access the pond and integrate into the ecosystem. Through the use of a game camera and typical video camera students will be able to observe wildlife throughout the day and overnight. A website can eventually be developed to display live footage from the project so that it may be accessed by students and public as well.