Keeping it Cool and Green
Although our garden is well-established, we continue to carry out this environmental project with the following aims:
- Provide a space for grade 4 and grade 6 science curriculums to be action researchers
- Provide shade for the three portables, with the aim of reducing cooling costs and greenhouse gases.
- Provide shelter for animals who visit our school
- Showcase hardy plants and trees that grow well in this area's ecosystem
- Provide students with an opportunity to grow their own garden plants
Several years ago, we received assistance from the WWF - Canada Green CommUnity School Grants Program to develop the plan:
Click for the development plan
Feel free to drop by the school and see the garden!
The Bishop's Office in Calgary funded the first planting of three Prairie Green Ash trees.
We have received funding from the Jansen Family for gardening tools.
ConocoPhillips funded a gardening shed the students can access on weekends and on holidays, as well as initial preparation of the beds and modification of the existing sprinklers. Their consistent and significant support has provided for three Brandon Maple trees.
Green Haven has supplied our trees and assisted with stakes and supplies.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce-Brown have worked hard at planting trees and have given important advice and guidance, as well as taking care of some of our plants.
Scenic Landscaping was contracted for the excavation and replacement of amended soil, as well as sprinkler line repair.
Blocks and Rocks Landscaping donated mulch and the boulders you can now see in the garden.
Hydrodig Lethbridge donated hydrovacing of two holes for the installation of the two picnic tables, which were donated by School Council.
Mrs. Palin, Mrs. Babits, and numerous other volunteers spend a day digging out the site and exposing lines, the weekend before the playground installation, in the spring of 2014.
Earthlings donated excavation and trucking in the initial excavation of the site.
We are now in the midst of planting and continue to maintain the garden each year.
In August 2017, Mr. Flaig (retired teacher) created an informative guide for students and their families to not only provide information about the plants in our garden, but to inspire them to create more garden spaces at home and in our community with newfound knowledge. The resources is available here.
If you would like to donate to our garden, including your time and talents, please contact the school anytime. We are happy to share some gardening time with you!