Vision

Our project was to plant an outdoor Pollinator Peace Garden to have students demonstrate the importance of giving back to the earth. Our project helped achieve a sense of responsibility and awareness of the role we play in supporting nature. Our students and staff were able to foster their relationship with the earth by taking care of the garden throughout the school year.

We have a plot of land on our school property that serves as a peaceful gathering space for many students. We currently have a statue of Mother Mary and stones to represent the Indigenous medicine wheel, so it serves as an inclusive space where our community can reflect, pray, and connect with nature. As well, this garden serves as a memorial for members of our school community. This space is also used by members of our local community, as our school grounds are located next door to public parks and green spaces.

Action

In the fall, we cleaned up plants that have died over the last few years (most of the plants in the space) and are working to replenish this space and give some much needed TLC so that it can be utilized by our school and extended community. This garden is located outside of our Planning for Independence Program (special education) classrooms and is frequently used as part of their learning. Our school’s Eco Team club and students in the PIP program are working together to plant and nurture our garden. We were able to obtain materials for our garden, including soil, mulch, bushes, and flowers that will attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. This supports our goals of building a pollinator garden where students can contribute to tree/plant/floral planting and maintenance, which can also serve as a sit spot where students can connect with nearby nature, and will serve as a stepping stone as we revamp our school’s outdoor spaces and outdoor classroom.

Reflection & Celebration

Students were able to come together to learn about, plan, and care for our outdoor space, which allowed students to play an active role in caring for a piece of the earth and learn about the responsibility of taking care of a garden, both in time, care and attention. Together they worked hard to revamp this space, into a beautiful garden for all to enjoy.