Vision

As part of our initiative we are learning that peaceful cohabitation also means helping to create a sustainable future for animals and humans. We are noticing more and more wild animals living in city limits because of many reasons. One action step we discussed is planting a sustainable butterfly / bee garden at the school to support animals find resources they need.
The class had been studying the effects of urban wildlife in our community. A group of students who specifically are studying butterflies and bees have investigated ways we can support sustainable co-existing with animals. Prairie Wildlife Rehab presented to our class to kick off our project-based learning project and this group really wanted to find a way to support the environment that have on our school grounds. The whole class is super excited to take this on and build a special garden for these pollinators.

Action

The students researched extensively which plants to grow, looking at light source recommendations and specific plants that butterflies and bees require to pollinate. They also included plants that are native to the area which would support our land-based learning.
Once they did their design and put together a blueprint for their gardens, they made a list to purchase and we sent this along to a local garden center. The students made posters and presented their plants during an evening celebration of project based learning and large groups were able to see their project and ask questions to the group. Signs were designed by the students and a local high school teacher printed two copies on metal photo panels to be included in the garden areas. The whole class prepped the garden spaces which were very overgrown and needed lots of weeding and tilling. Our planting day happened on May 22nd, once we saw the forecast was staying above 10 degrees at night and was safe for us to plant. Over the last week, they have been doing some deep watering to ensure the plants roots effectively and start to bring in some beautiful butterflies and bees to start pollinating.
Students are already observing some ‘flight traffic’ of bird and some smaller butterflies, as well as ‘foot traffic’ from interested community members.

Reflection & Celebration

The students celebrate their learning during an exhibition night and are excited to showcase the completed gardens at an upcoming school bbq. They are especially excited for and are anxiously awaiting their pollinators!!!