Peel Water Story Project Case Study
Project title:
Hickory Wood Schoolyard Naturalization Program
Have you participated at the Peel EcoFair?
Yes
School(s)/Community Group(s):
Hickory Wood Public School
School Board/Organization(s):
Peel District School Board
Community /Town /City :
Brampton, ON
Your Project is located within which (sub)watershed/s?
Credit River watershed
Start Date:
1994
Project abstract
Hickory Wood Public School has been blessed with a small, adjacent, shagbark hickory woodlot, preserved by the City of Brampton . This small woodlot is not enough for adequate wildlife habitat since it has been heavily impacted by humans. HWPS began with a small butterfly habitat garden that has continued to enlarge and enhance with several habitats, including: a wildlife corridor that runs the length of the school property, a naturalized area in the hydro corridor, and a small “hickory woods” ON school property. All areas have been planted by all the students who come through the doors of our school.
Project outcomes
The project has improved the environment on the school and adjacent property. The HW community has become greatly involved with our continuing projects. Families have come out on cleanups, plantings and many other events. They have also supported us with financial donations as well as fundraisers such as our annual wildflower sale.
Start-up Support
We arrived at this project because the school grounds were essentially barren. There was no area in which the children could interact with nature. They played on a heavily impacted playground in which little vegetation survived. Several teachers and parents met to plan something that would attract wildlife to our schoolyard.
Financial Planning and funding
Much has been done to financially support the project. TD Friends of the Environment, Shell Environmental Fund, Evergreen Foundation, Habitat 2000, donations from parents (for which the PDSB issues charitable tax receipts), wildflower sales, lunchtime Hickory Hut milk and cookie sales, composter sales, and many other fundraising activities have been used. Altogether, we have conservatively raised approximately $40 000 over the last ten years for our ongoing project.
Community Partnerships
Write a short description of how partners were approached and involved.
Internal – All the above mentioned groups of people have been approached for some aspect of our ongoing schoolyard naturalization project. All have assisted in some way.
External – Some government officials have been approached but for recognition and not any sort of funding. Some local businesses have been approached for donation of products that could be used for a raffle.
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Student Ownership and Involvement
All project aspects have been completely carried out by the students. Some limited planning has been done by the students, with teacher assistance. Primarily, the staff and Parent Council have taken on the large share of the project and carrying it out.
Curriculum and water connections
The Ontario Curriculum has been the backbone of all that is done within our project. All funding applications and classroom participation have been backed up with relevant curriculum expectations. This program supports teachers in delivering the mandated curriculum while providing them with many activities to compliment what the students are learning.
Project Celebrations
Our school has had a weekly celebration assembly since day one at HWPS. Environmental aspects of our school life have always been an integral part of this celebration. These assemblies create opportunities to recognize the work students have done, while promoting the environment. When our Millennium Peace Garden opened in 2000, the Mayor of Brampton, the Director of the Peel DSB and many other dignitaries were in attendance. We have had much media coverage throughout the years.
Communication to the community/Media
Media coverage has always been vital. Newspapers, TVO, and other mediums have been utilized to promote the environmental work being done at the school.
Favourite Project activities for learning
Planting. Collecting seeds. Looking for monarch butterfly eggs and / or caterpillars. Lady beetle survey for Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Students own feedback about project
Students have enjoyed the planting aspects. They like to take ownership and see something that they have done. They are very aware of the environment and things that need to be done in order to help wildlife.
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