PART III OBJECTIVE 2: HABITAT RESTORATION
FRES is TREE-mendous!
The Forest Ridge Elementary Green Team is excited to have planted several native trees and shrubs on the school grounds in November, 2012. These trees were a generous donation from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Also essential to the project were two Howard County Master Gardeners, Corliss Glennon and Natalie Brewer, who volunteered their time to advise us on which trees were best suited for property and the best locations for them.
Besides learning how to plant a tree, these students learned the importance of using native trees and shrubs. Not only do they provide a valuable habitat for many native insects, birds, and mammal species in our region, as well as migrating species; they also minimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and invasive plants. Additionally, they require little or no additional watering or fertilizing, once established, and can aid in soil retention, erosion control, and water filtration. We had a great time planting - Now, as we continue to water, we just hope that our thumbs are as green as our great school!
The Forest Ridge Elementary Green Team is excited to have planted several native trees and shrubs on the school grounds in November, 2012. These trees were a generous donation from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Also essential to the project were two Howard County Master Gardeners, Corliss Glennon and Natalie Brewer, who volunteered their time to advise us on which trees were best suited for property and the best locations for them.
Besides learning how to plant a tree, these students learned the importance of using native trees and shrubs. Not only do they provide a valuable habitat for many native insects, birds, and mammal species in our region, as well as migrating species; they also minimize the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and invasive plants. Additionally, they require little or no additional watering or fertilizing, once established, and can aid in soil retention, erosion control, and water filtration. We had a great time planting - Now, as we continue to water, we just hope that our thumbs are as green as our great school!
Our PTA Green Committee, along with two 3rd grade classes planted the shrubs by the school's bird feeders and a 4th grade class planted the trees by our new sidewalk and in front of the principal's office.
Two kindergarten classes planted 6 trees behind the school by our wetland area.
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In November 2012 Master Gardener, Natalie Brewer, gave kindergarteners a lesson on the importance of native trees and how to plant a tree. The students then broke into 8 groups and planted 6 trees on the edge of our wetland area behind the school and watered them with lots of milk jugs for water carriers.
We planted bushes by the bird feeders so that we could provide our feathered friends a safe place to perch while feeding.
Bird Houses were added in spring 2012. We had nesting birds our first year.
Bird Feeders were installed in the summer of 2011. Students who participate in Project Feeder Watch keep the feeders full.
