Vision

We have 3 special education community classes here at Milliken Mills High School. All 3 classes have neurodiverse students of all kinds, many of which are high sensitivity. One of the classes is composed entirely of non-verbal students, and we feel as though it would be incredible for those who cannot express themselves verbally to be able to express themselves through other ways, which is, in this case, nature. It would be amazing for the students who can to help plant and care for a sensory garden with our mainstream science students, as the hands-on experience as well as the chance to interact with other students in a safe and welcoming environment would be incredibly beneficial to not just the Special Ed. students, but for everyone. Sensory gardens have helped with the de-escalation and self-regulation of Milliken students in the past, and we believe that it would benefit all students in our school and the community.

About our Native Plants initiative:
Rapid urbanization, soil compaction, and a quickly climbing amount of invasive species have wreaked havoc on our local ecology. Our students have noticed the absence of native plants in our area. Therefore, Green Inc., along with our student population, is aiming to plant a native garden with specifically chosen plants to help support our native ecosystem.

Action

The students, staff and teachers were interested in learning more about sustainability and climate change through the creation of a Traveling Sensory garden for Mental Health and Wellness based on plants chosen by the students that represented them and their identities in order to help create identity affirming spaces. Many Native plants, including pollinators and plants that provide food and vegetables and spices were chosen through input via google form, class activities and active participation from the Green Inc environmental school club. Also, meetings with the Special Education team were held to understand what the special education students would want in this garden. The intensive class, DD class and other Specialized classes helped to plan, order and create the garden. They helped to plant the garden.
This project related to sustainability and climate change because it provided multiple opportunities to discuss climate change and ways to mitigate climate change. Students discussed food security and how growing food would help with this issue. Moreover, being part of the process inspired students to take an interest in plants, gardening and actions to help mitigate climate change. Students were inspired by this issue for many reasons. Some were active members of Green inc and have been learning about these topics from our club. Others were interested in Sensory Gardens and how they help with Mental Health and Wellness. Because the students and staff were interested to learn more about how a sensory garden would help with mental health, they helped to plan and order plants that showcased their interests (favourite scents and colours).

The Sensory Garden was called Travelling because the plants were not all planted immediately so that they could be accessible for everyone. For example, some students are in wheel chairs and cannot reach the ground. Moreover, this Travelling set up was also placed in the library temporarily to be enjoyed by all students. The teacher librarian incorporated the native plants on display on her lesson on butterflies.
Finally, the Special Education and science classes, along with Green Inc and any volunteers from the school helped to plan and plant the plants in planters and around the school pond by working as a team. First, volunteers from the school community as well as science and Green Inc students helped to prepare the planters and beds to help assist students with special needs (and make it easier for them to plant). The special education students and their teachers helped plant many of the plants. Next, many classes from the rest of the school helped to plant the rest of the plants. They chose plants that reflected their interests and cultural backgrounds. This was extremely important to our school community because it focused on student voice and choice and created Identity affirming spaces.
Finally, native plants to support the restoration of the pond ecosystem were studied, ordered and planted with the support of many community members.

The Green Inc team created a hands on Earth day event, and helped to mentor the entire grade 7 and 8s from a local feeder school. Through student led, student run workshops, the students engaged in environmental education. Seeds and cups from the grant helped to support the creation of a PEACE garden at the local feeder school.

Reflection & Celebration

This project taught and encouraged students to take tangible steps to help mitigate climate change. It focused on good mental health. It brought many departments together to plan and produce a garden. This nurtured community building and helped students develop skills needed to help combat climate change.
The Earth Day Event generated much interest in the environment, and provided a venue for students to connect with high school and make the transition easier.

Overall, students from all grades and staff from all schools benefited from all the engaging events that resulted from these projects. We are so grateful for the support of LSF.