Vision

The École Christine Morrison Forest Classroom Rehabilitation Plan is a long-term, evolving initiative that integrates geological knowledge, ecological education, and hands-on environmental stewardship. The project empowers students by involving them in every aspect of forest restoration, fostering a strong sense of ownership and responsibility. This hands-on, student-led approach ensures the project’s sustainability and provides a powerful educational experience.
Supported by the Learning for a Sustainable Future Action Project Grant, this initiative has expanded to include a school vegetable garden. Initially focused on restoring the forest classroom with native plants, students recognized that resources like greenhouses, UV lights, soil, and compost could also support a short-term project that directly benefits their school community: growing vegetables for the breakfast program. The garden supplements the slower-growing forest restoration by producing quicker-growing crops, such as corn, bean, pumpkins, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and herbs, while still prioritizing the rehabilitation of native species like salmonberry, huckleberry, salal, and hawthorn can happen in the forest classroom.
What inspired your students to take on this issue?
Students were inspired after visiting the Silverdale Creek Wetlands restoration project in 2024, which demonstrated the powerful impact of local habitat restoration and its connection to salmon conservation. Seeing the possibilities for real-world change sparked their desire to make a difference in their own community.
Later, they identified an opportunity to address food security by using some of the Forest Classroom materials to grow vegetables. They wanted to help students who rely on the school’s breakfast program by planting quick-yield crops. By choosing a location at the front of the school, they ensured optimal sunlight, minimized wildlife risk, utilization of a used grass covered area and avoided disturbing the native forest ecosystem.
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Action

What actions did you take?

• Restoration of a forest area by removing invasive species and planting native species.
• Installed greenhouses and set up a UV-light growing system.
• Planted a variety of native plants and berries.
• Established a school vegetable garden in a safe location to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Collaborated with local organizations and community members to secure donations (soil, seeds, compost, etc.).
• Built garden boxes and installed rain barrels to support water conservation.
• Hosted planting events, including an assembly presentation, a planting station at the Spring Carnival and monthly Community Time Forest Classroom Information sessions with the school student population.
• Implemented signage, fencing, and student supervision to protect the sites.
• Attended workshops and field trips for environment focused, place-based, Indigenous-informed learning.
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How does your project relate to sustainability/climate change?

Benefits to sustainability and climate action:
• Supports biodiversity by planting native species that benefit local wildlife.
• Reduces erosion by stabilizing soil on the hill leading to a nearby stream.
• Promotes water conservation through rain barrel systems and mulch.
• Avoids chemical pesticides, instead relying on natural methods.
• Addresses food security by growing sustainable produce for the school.
• Provides climate education through experiential, place-based learning.

Challenges faced:
• Watering during dry summer months.
• Invasive species impacting native plant growth.
• Foot traffic and animal disturbances in the restoration areas.

Solutions implemented:
• Installed rain barrels and dug water-retention holes.
• Engaged summer CLUB KIDS campers to help water the plants.
• Built small fences and signs to protect plant areas and inform passersby.
• Appointed student recess supervisors to oversee plant areas.
• Introduced more native species to outcompete invasive ones.
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Work Plan Summary:

• Start small to ensure manageability
• Choose the right plants suited to the local climate
• Use compost to naturally enrich soil
• Water wisely using rain barrels and time-efficient methods
• Plant in appropriate zones to avoid wildlife conflict

Budget items included:

• Greenhouses
• Garden boxes
• Soil & compost
• Seeds and native plants
• Garden tools
• Protective materials (e.g., fencing, signage)
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Why is it important to your community?

This project strengthens connections between students, nature, and the broader community. Local groups contributed supplies, knowledge, and mentorship, while families participated in tree-planting and learning events. Students explored place-based learning through field trips to the Blue Heron Nature Reserve, Eco Tour Agassiz, and workshops led by Indigenous mentors who shared plant knowledge and storytelling traditions. The initiative has cultivated environmental awareness, cultural respect, and a spirit of sustainability that will benefit the school and the larger Mission community for years to come.

Reflection & Celebration

As this is part on an ongoing project, I have only recorded the impact measured for those items directly purchased using the LSF Action Project funds. However, the impact of this project is far more than what we can currently report on having produced and collected. For example, seedlings planted indicate over 10KG of vegetables may be produced and the amount of edible berries that will be produced by the restoration of the forest classroom is immeasurable.

Thanks to the funding received from the LSF Action Project, our students were inspired to expand their environmental efforts even further. While they were already dedicated to restoring the Forest Classroom, the grant enabled them to take on an additional initiative to meet more immediate needs. Recognizing the importance of food security within our school, they launched a new project, the ECME Vegetable Garden. This garden will provide fresh vegetables for our school breakfast program, complementing the long-term goals of the Forest Classroom rehabilitation with a practical and nourishing solution.