USGBC-ASLA Schoolyard Memory Garden Plan-Phase I

March 15, 2018

This is part one of a multi-phase project. Phase I involves educating students about soil, native species, allergen-free plantings, and organic gardening techniques. Students will learn from Melanie Anderson, ASLA, and be involved in the identification and selection of plantings appropriate for the location and maintenance of a garden. The garden is a memorial tribute to two custodians at the school who were loved and respected by students, faculty, and alumni. Students will use Lego pieces to design their concept for the garden based on knowledge gained about sustainable sites. Phase II will be a student assembly regarding materials, including reducing, reusing, recycling and selection of material most appropriate for memory benches. Phase III will be actual installation of selected flowers, plants and greenery where funds will be raised in advance. Final phase will be dedication of garden and educational tour by students explaining rationale behind design and selections for garden.

12

Students attended

3

Staff attended

1

Additional Volunteer attended

220

Students will be impacted this year

Intended impact of project

Increased environmental & sustainability literacy

Impact of project

Beautification of school/site
Environmental restoration
Improved environmental & sustainability literacy

More impact of project

Melanie Anderson of ASLA partnered with Tracie Hall of USGBC to share information about plants, including how to choose drought-resistant and native species; how to select allergen-free plants, trees, and shrubs; and what should be included to create a memory garden. Students then worked in teams and used lego building blocks to design their memory garden. Each team then presented on what they chose, how they chose the plants, flowers, etc., and why their design was best for the school. The students will then work with volunteers to install an ASLA-designed garden based on their ideas!