Project Description:
After surveying unused school grounds, students decided they wanted to beautify the area by transforming it into a beneficial and fruitful land. Students designed a small apple orchard, researched different aspects of starting and managing an orchard, measured the land, and planted apple trees. Part of this project was study of availability of water in our area, aquifer and floodplains, environment and local plants, beneficial insects and invasive species, as well as human impact on the local environment.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students are more aware of their responsibilities around water resources.

Partners:
Robinette's Apple Orchard, Peach Ridge Farms, Outback Casual Living and Fence

Teachers:
3

Students:
102

Funder:
Baldwin Foundation

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU44YQ4PAHQ

Project Description:
Students tested the water quality at Lamberton Creek and measured the flow and water level. Students took measurements several times throughout the year, in both wet and dry weather, to create a dataset that could be analyzed. They also picked up trash along and in the Creek, and created final watershed projects that taught others about nonpoint source pollution.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students understand their place in the Grand River watershed and their role as stewards.

Teachers:
2

Students:
31

Funder:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Showcase Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXI_Bu3IRA0

Project Description: 

Students recognized the effects of erosion in two places on our campus. Students were divided into 4 different committees to solve this problem. The garden committee researched native plants needed to stall and reverse the erosion. They added dirt to enrich the soil, created a grid, planted chosen plants, fed, watered, and added mulch. The tree committee selected two trees to plant in a secondary area of erosion. They enriched the soil, dug the holes, planted the trees, staked the trees, placed landscaping fabric, and mulched. The worm bin committee researched the process of decomposition by worms and how to use worm compost to feed the plants and trees of this project. The Peace Pole committee researched  the history of Peace Poles and chose 4 languages to express, “May Peace Prevail On Earth.” They researched the differences between indoor and outdoor paint. Then they undercoated the donated 4 x 4 pole with white paint. We are running out of time, but the plan is to stencil the words, paint them black, and plant the pole in the garden. We learned about butterfly needs and purchased plants to attract them.

Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:

They have taken ownership of the creation of this project and are prideful of the hard work they have done.. Next year’s students will be charged with continuing the work they started here. 

Partners:

Joyful Wildcrafting, Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, West Michigan Environmental Action Council

Teachers:

Lancaster, 4th, 5th, & 6th Grades, All Subjects; Eva, 4th, 5th, & 6th Grades, All Subjects; Slade, 4th, 5th, & 6th Grades, All Subjects; Music, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Grades, All Subjects; Monahan, School Secretary

Students:

79

Funder:

Wege Foundation, North Park Montessori Parent Teacher Organization

Showcase Video: (Found on YouTube page)