How is the natural environment in the neighborhood representative of the larger biosphere in which people live? Studying the local birds and flora of the Pacific Northwest in the context of the local parks and ponds provided a rich opportunity for third-grade students at St. Thomas School in Medina, Washington, to explore and learn about biodiversity. Collaborative opportunities for teachers also resulted in deeper connections between disciplines and a sense of vitality and excitement for the entire learning community as students proudly took ownership of the project. Students developed research skills gathering information about the natural world around them, used strong observational drawing and painting techniques to capture their insights about birds and native plants, and became aware of art historical contributions in the field of scientific naturalism. They brought it all together in technology class with printed field guides that both showcased their work and provided an excellent resource for the community. (Contains 1 online resource.)