Vision

The goal of our high school students at Milliken Mills High School was to both beautify our school arboretum and pond area, make a more biodiverse school environment, and provide an educational experience to our students. Not to mention, we sought to tackle the problem of nature equity by introducing a part of Canada’s wilderness to a more accessible area, as we had realized the more untouched and well-preserved habitats are out of reach to some students.

We aimed to achieve this by planting out a mixed forest-themed arboretum garden inspired by Southern Ontario’s beautiful woodlands and a wetland side-themed sun garden also inspired by Canada’s habitats.

Action

First, we selected our supplier, which we decided would be “Native Plants in Clairemont ”. We selected them considering their past impacts on our community, being that they have been consistent and suppliers of native plants to wildflower planting efforts. Then we needed to plan out the types of plants that we wanted to use for our gardens, so we chose plants based on their native locations around Ontario. For instance, plants like trilliums, meadow rues, and celandine poppies were designated to woodland style plantings while blue flag, swamp rose, and eupatorium went in the pond area. Plants were also chosen on their merits and qualities that would be engaging for students and allow them to fill an ecological niche. One example of this is the emblematic white trillium, which we chose for its symbolic importance to Ontario and to offer food to early flying insects. Then, after the plants arrived, we began to integrate students into the experience by allowing the grade 11 biology class to research the different properties and special qualities, such as the anticancer properties of mayapples. We also integrated students into the planting activities, allowing students to gain experience in transplanting plants and finding appropriate growing locations. As for later on in the year, and hopefully for many more years to come, we will show off and showcase some of the native plants. Not to mention, we seek to propagate some of the rarer species, such as the extirpated native celandine as a form of ex-situ propagation. We seek to involve interested students in the process to hopefully imbue them with an interest in nature.

Reflection & Celebration

Overall, the students who participated in the planting experience had an enjoyable experience. Looking back, this project affected both the community and our environment. Firstly, this project supported our community by decreasing the disconnection from wildlife in the school community. Ever since the pandemic, there has been a decrease in connection with the environment. This project has allowed almost 100 students to enjoy some time outside and to connect with the wildlife. Furthermore, this project improved our environment by diversifying our environment and introducing many important native plants into the environment. Finally, the collaboration and interest in educating our school about climate issues and stories was determined and at the same time, it was also methodical and careful. Milliken Mills High School students made an impact on themselves and the environment through this action.