Students at Beaver Valley Community School in Thornbury have a new green outdoor space to enjoy.
The Backyard Habitat Project was funded through a $9,500 grant received this past March from Tree Canada, to plant trees and shrubs benefiting insects and birds.
The funding paid for seven trees and 48 native shrubs to help beautify three separate spaces along the fence line.
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
Grade 2 teacher Audrey Macdonald led the charge by soliciting student help, while volunteer Arnis Pukitis spoke to the Grades 2, 3, and 5 classes to provide rationale for the project and information on planting.
In early October, six classes totaling over 100 students worked together in small groups to start the planting process, while also watering the previously planted trees. The local business community helped by donating buckets, shovels, and bird feeders for students to paint and install.
"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," stated a media release from the Bluewater District School Board. "Local families are also expanding their knowledge and awareness in environmental stewardship."
Future plans for the space include bird feeders, baths, and boxes, and even an insect hotel.
Students and staff were joined by parents/guardians, volunteers, donating businesses, and a representative of Tree Canada on Thursday, October 10 for the launch of the Backyard Habitat Project.
This is the second environmental project completed at Beaver Valley, after the Butterfly Gardens project was completed in 2023, where Primary classes prepared flower beds and planted over 200 native wildflowers, which they continue to maintain.