Students in BI 113 S Introductory Ecology, inventoried plants that were located at the undeveloped park site located adjacent to a section of the Sparkill Creek at 540 Rte 340, Sparkill, New York in Rockland County. The plants were identified and separated into two groups: native plants to the region and those that are invasive. Each student, in addition to the study, worked with a certified landscape architect in planning a design for possible restorations that were included in the community presentations. Recommendations for removal of invasive plants and the incorporation of native plant restoration to the area were made to the Town of Orangetown based on the microclimate of each of the sites. This provided students with an insightful learning experience on how scientific methodology may identify ecological problems and provide methods of resolution through accrued data. This restoration project was done in conjunction with the Sparkill Creek Watershed Alliance (SCWA). The students also presented their design proposals to the local government and citizen groups. These activities provided a service learning component by which the pedagogy combined community service with academic instruction and provided a venue for developing critical and reflective thinking and a sense of civic responsibility.