Holmen High School
Featured Property
A Student’s Passion Turns Runoff into Renewal
For decades, a drainage basin behind
Holmen High School quietly did its job—collecting runoff from over 250,000 square feet of asphalt and concrete. It was mowed regularly, treated as a maintenance necessity, and largely overlooked. But in 2024, one student saw something more.
Holland Davis, a junior at Holmen High School, had spent years observing the natural world around her. She noticed the decline of native species, the loss of habitat, and the missed opportunities in everyday landscapes. On her daily drive to school, she passed acres of mowed land and wondered: Why aren’t we using this space to help nature thrive?
That question became the seed of her junior capstone project—a bold proposal to transform the school’s runoff basin into a pollinator prairie. With guidance from her science teachers, support from Facilities Director Chad Brandau, Principal Wayne Sackett, and collaboration with local landscapers, Holland brought her vision to life.
“Most of my favorite insects and plants are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, pesticides, and a lack of public awareness,” Holland explained. “I wanted to change that.”
The journey wasn’t easy. Holland, who has struggled with social anxiety, had to present her idea to the entire school board. Public speaking had always been her greatest fear—but her love for nature outweighed it.
“I was the kid who would gladly accept a bad grade to avoid giving a speech,” she said. “But I knew if I didn’t speak up, who would? The fear of losing nature was greater than my fear of speaking.”
Her presentation was a success. The district more than approved of the project, rallying behind her to support her vision. Holland began working with community members like Michael, a local grower who donated native plant plugs and helped with installation. She researched soil conditions, sun exposure, and species compatibility—reading field guides for fun and studying wild areas to understand what thrives in sandy soil and full sun.
“I’ve read Wildflowers of Wisconsin cover to cover four times,” she said. “I love taking walks and identifying wildflowers. It’s my favorite pastime.”
Building an Ecosystem
Holland’s approach went far beyond aesthetics. She designed the prairie to support pollinators at every stage of life—from egg-laying to overwintering. She emphasized the importance of removing invasive species, planting a diversity of native flora, and leaving dead growth through winter to provide shelter.
“Butterflies may drink nectar from many flowers, but they often lay eggs on just one specific plant,” she explained. “You need to think about their whole life cycle. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about function.”
The basin now hosts monarchs, leafcutter bees, moths, swallows, and dragonflies. It even supports endangered species such as the Four-Spotted Collops Beetle and Slick Seed Fuzzy Bean, both considered special concern by the WI DNR. It’s a living classroom for students and a daily reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
A Shift in Mindset
The project has already influenced how the school manages its landscape. With less lawn to mow, the facilities team saves fuel and time. They’ve reduced salt use in winter to protect the prairie’s delicate ecosystem. And while it’s still early to measure long-term cultural change, Holland has seen signs of growing awareness.
“Even just getting someone to wonder, ‘Huh, I never really thought about that before,’ is a major win in my book,” she said.
A Legacy That Grows
Even after graduation, Holland continues to visit the prairie. She watches monarchs flutter through the flowers she planted and feels a deep sense of connection.
“It’s the best feeling in the world,” she said. “There’s wonder everywhere I look—tiny beetles scaling sedges, swallows doing aerial acrobatics. I’ve found a sense of belonging and purpose through this project.”
Her advice to other students?
“It’s okay to feel discouraged. Our environment is not in a good state—but that’s why you are so important. Speak up. Your voice is powerful, even when it doesn’t feel that way. Any change you inspire, however small, is a tremendous achievement. Stay curious. You’ve got this.”
A Model for the Region
Holmen High School’s basin is now part of the La Crosse Area Waters network of stormwater learning sites, showcasing how thoughtful design and student leadership can create lasting environmental impact. It stands as a testament to what happens when schools empower students to lead—and when communities rally behind a shared vision for sustainability.