Vision

In 2023, while doing a walk with my Community Service Learning class to survey the school’s property, it was noted that some of the fallen Fiona trees still hadn’t been cleared. It then brought about the conversation that our school lacks plant life overall and how we are not currently doing our hands on part for climate change. The trees we do have are beautiful and they are a highlight for students during their outdoor time, but there are very few of them left after the years of loss. It was then decided that we wanted to plant more trees and plant life on our property. It would help us rebuild after Fiona. It would help create a cleaner space of future Hernewood students and staff. And, it would be fun to do the research, plan, and then care for our new trees. Students want to plant more trees to ensure our school community is doing their part to help combat climate change, air pollution, help with soil erosion, and contribute to a sustainable, bio-diverse home for different species of insects, mammals, moss, and Fungai. We have a deep concern for our bee population and wish to plant fruit trees to attract bees and provide an important food source for them.

Action

Students have done the research on the importance of tree planting, how to properly plant and care for the trees. Students chose the trees they wanted and successfully planted them in May of 2024. The idea of planting a few fruit trees on the school grounds has turned into something much bigger. The students became fascinated with plant life and the benefits it has, not only for climate change, but also its importance for food sustainability, for the benefits it brings for mental health. The small hope of planting a few semi-mature trees turned into planting flowers (tulips and wildflowers) for bees, growing in school “house” plants to create a green space for students and staff to care for and enjoy, growing vegetables and various other plant life in our school greenhouse as well as attempting to grow bonsai trees from seedlings (this was not a success, but an interesting learning experience!)

Reflection & Celebration

Students have enjoyed this project greatly. It has helped them learn about our responsibility to better our environment and the process that it takes to do so. It also allowed them to see the positive impact that we can have when we give back to our community. We plan to have a ceremonial “ribbon cutting” in June with all students and staff.