Primary Goals of Project
Goal: To create an outdoor learning space to provide students with the opportunity to be involved in hands-on education about the restoration, preservation, and conservation of Michigan ecosystems by: revitalizing an outdoor classroom space as a native habitat learning area with a native woodland and prairie areas to support pollinators and local wildlife, by planting native plants and shrubs, and installing educational signage.
Overview & Timeline
In October 2023, we met with a Feral Flora representative (Jared) to discuss budget, details of our vision for the two planting areas, process, and timeline. Jared inspected both areas and asked clarifying questions about how we wanted the spaces to function. He then went over what the process would be like, and let us know he would be sending a proposal detailing what we had discussed.
In February 2024, Jared sent the proposal detailing which services were being offered as well as an overview of what types of plants they were considering for each space. The proposal was agreed upon, and we agreed to reconnect closer to spring to schedule weeding and planting dates.
On April 24, 2024, Jared and a team from Feral Flora came to Allen to weed both sites in preparation for planting.
On June 4, Jared and a team from Feral Flora came to Allen for planting. They began by setting plants out where they were to be planted, and the Allen Junior Naturalists Club students (and some parents) helped with the planting. The Feral Flora team finished up the planting when the students had to return to class.
The SCHG signpost was installed upon our return to school this year.
Successes and Challenges
The gardens have grown very well over the summer, requiring little maintenance thanks to consistent rainfall. Many of the new plants have even flowered in their first summer, and we look forward to seeing what happens in the gardens this fall! An ongoing challenge for us will be continuing to work on the removal of invasive thistle, grasses, and creeping bellflower. *We would be happy to provide another update in the spring when the garden is at its one-year mark and we’ve had the school year to interact with it.
Maintenance & Use
During the school year, the area will be maintained by staff and students who are participating in the club. During the summer, the area will be maintained by myself and volunteers from the school and community. Water is accessible from multiple nearby spigots on the building (accessed by water key) and are able to be used as needed.
This year the Allen Junior Naturalists Club will be working on mapping the gardens, creating signage, and creating a guide to the garden which will be distributed to all classrooms in the school. We also hope to add a gravel path through the larger area that ends in a gathering circle. The end goal is to have all classes be able to utilize the gardens as learning spaces.