Vision

Our vision is to restore and rewild sections of the Arbutus Greenway in Vancouver by removing invasive species and replanting with diverse indigenous flora—while engaging every student at Maple Grove Elementary in meaningful, hands-on environmental stewardship. This is a multi-year, school-wide initiative that aims to increase local biodiversity, support climate resiliency, and deepen students’ connection to the land and their community. We want students to understand that they can be active participants in ecological restoration and that their actions can have a lasting, positive impact on the environment.

Action

This year, all 600 students at Maple Grove Elementary (K–7) participated in restoring another 200m² section of the Greenway. Outdoor Education students in grades 4–7 led the work by removing invasive Himalayan blackberry, amending the soil with 30 yards of compost and 20 yards of mulch, and planting over 1,700 native perennials from 54 different species. Each intermediate class invited their younger buddy class to help with planting, ensuring every student had a role in the transformation.

Throughout the year, students studied individual plant species, observed seasonal changes, and learned about soil health, decomposition, and the role of native plants in supporting pollinators and wildlife. Weekly visits to the site included weeding, watering, and garden maintenance, as well as art and science activities. Students are now creating a book featuring watercolour illustrations and research on the plants they’ve been studying, which will be shared with the school and wider community. We’re also installing interpretive signage with each plant’s Musqueam, scientific, and common names to help the public learn alongside us.

Reflection & Celebration

This project has been transformative—for the land, for our students, and for our school community. Students have developed a deep sense of ownership and pride in the Greenway. They’ve learned that restoration is not a one-time event, but an ongoing relationship with place. Watching pollinators return, plants bloom, and even spotting a wild rabbit in our garden has been incredibly rewarding. Students often reflect on how much the site has changed and how their efforts have made a real difference.

We’ve celebrated our progress through class reflections, art projects, and by sharing our work with families and the community. The creation of our native plant book has been a highlight, allowing students to showcase their learning and creativity. Overall project has not only taught students about biodiversity and climate action—it has empowered them to see themselves as stewards of the land, capable of creating positive change.

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