Our goal is to increase the habitat for pollinators and other wildlife in our school community through education and planting of native plants. Native plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, they also require less maintenance, conserve water, and support local biodiversity.

Our PTSA Green Schools committee will partner with our Green Club and Garden Club students to raise awareness of the benefits of native plants and their important role in supporting pollinators. They will share these benefits with our school’s students, staff and families by creating flyers, videos and social media posts.

With the help of Rochester Pollinators volunteers, students will take their new knowledge of Michigan native plants and garden design to create native plant garden kits for three growing areas (full sun, partial sun and full shade). Working with a local grower students will order plants, assemble the starter plants into garden kits and assist with the individuals with selection and distribution of garden kits to our school community. Planting instructions, maintenance tips and native plant resources will also be provided with each garden kit.

Individuals will plant the garden kit either at their home, in their neighborhood or at school.

Not only will this project increase the habitat for pollinators in our community but gardening and being outdoors is good for our students. It provides hands-on learning, physical activity, teaches responsibility and patience, reduces levels of stress and anxiety and builds environmental awareness.

Requested funding: $3400.00