As the saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” And last year, Principia freshman took that first step by lobbying the City of Maryland Heights to revise plans for a proposed large-scale development to safeguard the surrounding environment. Now—over a year later—that work has taken root as the City moves towards meaningful changes inspired by their research. 

In 2025, after finding the proposed site to be a crucial haven and stopover for migratory birds, the students presented their research directly to the City Council. Michael Zeek, Director of Community Development, was particularly struck. The data didn’t just challenge existing city ordinances—it pointed out smarter, friendlier biodiversity plantings, helping spark real change. 

With Principia students’ research in hand, Zeek has now presented a proposal to update the city’s landscaping code, recommending reduced chemical use, and more sustainable choices, including pollinator-friendly habitats, updated plant recommendations, and designation as a “Bee City.”   

"...making a real-world impact as a freshman completely changed my point of view—because we can create the world we want to live in.” 

Reflecting the real-world impact of Principia students’ research, Zeek recently confirmed the progress to Biology instructor Joel Allen, saying, “We are in the process of updating our landscaping code to incentivize plants that foster pollinators.” He added, “When I presented this to the Planning Commission, I gave your students credit for the concept and some of the specific plants.”  

Inspired to be a changemaker, Scarlett, now a sophomore, is encouraged by the progress. “It didn't occur to me that my ideas could bring upon this change,” she says. “I went into the project expecting to learn more about the environment and how people could hypothetically build a stronger ecosystem, but making a real-world impact as a freshman completely changed my point of view—because we can create the world we want to live in.” 

This impact reflects the larger mission behind the program. “This is what our CoLabs are all about,” said Allen. “Finding the projects that help guide our communities in a direction that's more sustainable—asking ourselves as students, citizens, and as elected officials, ‘What do we want our communities to become—and how can we make them the best they can be.’