Vision

Our vision is to create a thriving, sustainable school garden rooted in the rich biodiversity of Ontario native plants. Through this project, we aim to reconnect students with the natural heritage of our region, foster a deep respect for local ecosystems, and promote environmental stewardship within our school community. By cultivating native species, we will support pollinators, improve soil and water health, and contribute to climate resilience, all while offering a dynamic outdoor learning space that enriches curriculum and inspires action aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This living classroom will grow not only plants, but also knowledge, responsibility, and a shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable Ontario.

Action

Students researched places where we could purchase Ontario native plants. Students decided to purchase through Ontario Native Plants, as it was a local business and had a wide variety of native plants to choose from. As students selected plants, they researched the various needs of the plant, including it’s height and spread, how much water and light it required, etc. Students then created a Google sheet, where they created a code that would help them manage their budget as they selected the number of plants of each type that we wanted to purchase. Once their purchase list was finalized, we purchased the plants and picked them up from Ontario Native Plants. Our Action Project continues as students plan where to place the plants in our garden, and begin planting!

Reflection & Celebration

This project provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage in hands-on environmental learning while making a lasting, positive impact on our school grounds. As we reflect on the process of selecting, purchasing, and planting Ontario native plants, we are proud of how students deepened their understanding of biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable land stewardship.

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