Project: Raised Pollinator Garden Beds

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Project Overview / Narrative:

​The purpose of the Raised Pollinator Garden Beds at Union Grove Elementary School is to create an outdoor, hands-on learning environment that supports science education, environmental stewardship, and student well-being. These garden beds will provide a safe, accessible space for students to observe, plant, and care for native pollinator-friendly plants while learning about ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability. The project also enhances the school grounds and strengthens connections between students, nature, and the local community.

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Key Learnings Intended:

Through the pollinator garden beds, students will:

• Learn about pollinators (such as bees, butterflies, and other insects) and their essential role in food systems and ecosystems.

• Explore plant life cycles, habitats, and the interdependence between plants and animals.

• Develop scientific inquiry skills through observation, data collection, and seasonal monitoring.

• Build responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills by participating in planting and garden maintenance.

• Connect classroom lessons to real-world environmental issues, including conservation and sustainability.

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Impact on Student Learning and the School Community:

The raised pollinator beds will have a lasting positive impact on both student learning and the school environment.

Students will benefit from experiential, outdoor learning that increases engagement, curiosity, and retention of scientific concepts.

For the school, the pollinator garden will:

• Enhance the campus with a living, educational resource.

• Promote environmental awareness and stewardship across all grade levels.

• Provide opportunities for family and community involvement.

• Serve as a long-term teaching tool that can be expanded and sustained over time.

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Overall, this project will foster a deeper connection between students and the natural world while creating a healthier, more vibrant school environment.

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Timeline: If granted, the anticipated start date of this project will begin on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The anticipated completion date of this project is Saturday, April 4, 2026. During this time, materials will be purchased, the raised beds will be constructed, soil will be laid, and the wildflower seeds will be planted into each of the four raised beds.