The greening of Beaver Valley Community School (BVCS) continues as students, staff, and families recently welcomed the addition of an immaculate new outdoor natural space.
Students and staff were joined by parents/guardians, volunteers, donating businesses, and a representative of Tree Canada on Thursday, Oct. 10 for the launch of the Backyard Habitat Project.
Spearheaded by dedicated volunteer Arnis Pukitis and Grade 2 teacher Audrey Macdonald, the project was funded through a $9,500 grant received this past March from Tree Canada. The grant was used to plant trees and shrubs benefiting insects and birds.
Since the early 1990s, Tree Canada has greened more than 720 schoolyards across the country. The initiative at BVCS marks a logical next step to build upon the butterfly gardens project completed in 2023. With that project, funding support was provided by the school council to make the school yard more attractive to local wildlife, including five local butterfly species. Primary classes prepared flower beds and planted over 200 native wildflowers, which they continue to maintain.
The funding from Tree Canada for the Backyard Habitat Project covers the cost of seven trees and 48 native shrubs for three beautified spaces along the fence line, the largest being visible from the front of the school.
To get the ball rolling, planting beds and large trees were installed in the summer by a local landscaping company, owned by parents of BVCS students. A powerful eco tag team, Macdonald led the charge in soliciting student help, while Pukitis presented to grades 2, 3, and 5 classes to provide rationale for the project and information on planting.
In early October, six classes totalling over 100 students worked together in small groups to start the planting process, while also watering the previously planted trees. Many generous helping hands from the business community have been instrumental in moving the project forward through the donation of buckets, shovels, and bird feeders for students to paint and install. Materials and equipment were also provided for the installation of a sign, which was brought to life through the creativity of a local graphic designer.
There is already of full slate of additional components for students to action in the future as the new space grows and evolves. These include bird feeders, baths, and boxes, and an insect hotel.
Along with the tremendous environmental benefits that the project is demonstrating in supporting the local eco-system, the curriculum related learning opportunities for students at different grade levels have been invaluable. Local families are also expanding their knowledge and awareness in environmental stewardship. Onsite signage targeting families and the community will share information on the plants, and how the public can get involved by planting habitat helpful plants in their own backyards.
