New life is blooming this summer on the campus of A.C. Reynolds High School (ACRHS). This past spring, students in Alexandra Houle’s earth science classes worked together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to design and create a pollinator garden at the school.
“Research shows that even small pollinator gardens in urban spaces help immensely in giving pollinators food, shelter and a chance to survive,” said Ms. Houle. “Besides the pollinators, this project also beautifies the campus. Many people walk past this space, and gardens and pretty plants are proven to lift peoples' moods. It gives a little space of beauty for some emotional uplifting.”
Ms. Houle’s students not only learned about how to garden and the importance of pollinators, but they also strengthened their skills in teamwork and peer support. With help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the garden is in full bloom for next school year.
“Bryan Thomkins with the US Fish and Wildlife Service taught the students about pollinators and what elements are part of successful, quality pollinator gardens,” Ms. Houle explained. “He was instrumental in helping the students develop their plans and he was also the sole provider of all the plants. Everything was donated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”
For some students this was the first time working on a garden. Long after the students graduate from ACRHS the garden will continue to bring new life to the school.
“It's so important to get kids outside and get their hands dirty in a project that gives them power to know they can help the world on a local level,” Ms. Houle said. “I loved watching my students work hard to clear the space and put new plants in the ground. There were just so many different aspects of learning throughout this project and I hope it's a memory my students will look upon fondly as they grow."