Thank you for joining us on this journey!  Our Cold Spring School second grade engineers believe you are never too young to make the world a better place - and they have started with their own backyard.

Through a study on ecosystems and habitats, the second graders took on the responsibility to repair a habitat space on campus that was in need of improvement.  A "green space" in a central courtyard of campus had long since ceased to be "green" after years of sustained drought.  The result was a large patch of bare dirt that quickly became mud from the unusually heavy winter rains.  Any second grader can tell you that a dirt patch in the middle of the upper quad is a recipe for muddy shoes and filthy classroom carpets.  Seeing this problem inspired the class to find a solution.

After weeks of researching native plants, investigating how to sustain gardens, surveying the needs of the community, and planning potential layouts for the space, the kids sat down with landscape architects and community garden experts to collaborate on a final plan for the struggling area.  The students then bravely presented their plans to the school board, with the promise that if permission was granted to improve the space, they as students would be prepared to work as hard as they could to raise the money to pay for it.

We are excited to share that we have been given permission to move forward, and now we begin the effort of raising funds to turn the hard work of this project into a reality.  

The money donated will be used to install a native garden with several "wildlife observation stations" for students of all grade levels to sit and enjoy the hummingbirds and butterflies we hope to attract.  Included in the garden will be multiple pathways for students to safely move through the space (without tracking mud into class!).  In addition, the garden will have tree stumps, logs, and other natural seating options where students can sit and quietly read or work outside of the classroom.  

Our quoted materials costs for the garden came to roughly $2,200.  If we were to include labor, our costs rise to $5,000.  We believe that if we can raise the money for materials and equipment rental, our school community will step in to support us in installing the garden.   

Every second grader has pledged to get as dirty as necessary in order to successfully install the garden, so the heart and soul of the project is already in place.  The only thing missing, is you!  

Please consider investing in our project!  One of the core values of our STEAM program is that we approach science as an opportunity for stewardship.  We would love to be able to give back to our school community, and bring an even greater opportunity for the students here to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature.  

Back Up Plan