The purpose of this section is to develop the block of land while providing the students with a sense of ownership and pride by adopting a plant. The program would be designed to have each class plant a tree or seedling and be responsible for that tree for the year. The planting of native trees and shrubs has been planned to provide the maximum shade, wind break, security while also ensuring an enhancement of the area with flowered and scented plants to attract bird life and other animals.

Below is a future plan of the area. This plan details the plants and other additional environmental constructs that will effect the overall effectiveness of the educational setting.

Grades 6 and 7 - To plant the shrubs and trees along the Mary Street fence line.

(see Plan for which plating details)

Grades 4 and 5 - Responsible for planting and maintaining the desert garden.

(See Desert Garden Plan for details)

Grades 1,2 and 3- Responsible for Herb Garden.

When the children go up a grade they adopt the new tree or area therefore obtaining an understanding of the needs and differences amongst plant species.

This information is from An Environmental Curriculum for Pre-school children by Anna Targowska, page 63.

Each tree is a special, individual living thing- just as each person is. This game allows the children to get to know a tree as it will take a considerable amount of time until the trees or plants they are responsible for to grow.

1. Walk through a the environmental area and choose one tree.

2. Close your eyes and hug the tree.

How big is it? Can you reach around it?

3. Keep your eyes closed. Run your hands up and down the tree.

How does the bark feel on your hands?

Can you feel and sap?

Touch the leaves or needles. How do they feel?

4. Keep your eyes closed. Press your cheek against the tree.

How does it feel?

Is it rough? smooth? uneven?even?

Is the bark thick or thin?

5. Keep your eyes closed and sniff the tree.

How does it smell?

What does it smell remind you of?

Smell the sap, needles, leaves and bark.

6. Press your ear against the tree.

Can you hear its heartbeat?

What other sounds does the tree make?

7. Open your eyes and look at the tree from top to bottom?

Is it alive or dead?

Is it straight or crooked?

Can you count the branches?

Does it have leaves? needles? cones? blossoms? nuts?

Who are its neighbours?

Who lives in the tree?

How old do you think it is?

Can you see any roots?

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