gardens for
STEVENS Point'S schools
Recycling Connections and the City of Stevens Point Public Utilities Department is working with 6 schools in the City of Stevens Point over the next 3 years offering schools services and support to design, install, and use a school rain garden (or native prairie garden).
WHY RAIN GARDENS AT SCHOOLS?
The goal is to have a rain garden (or native prairie garden) demonstration site at schools in the City of Stevens Point to show the benefits of using native plants for stormwater management.
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There are many benefits of rain gardens such as:
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improving groundwater
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protecting streams and lakes
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preventing flooding
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aesthetics
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supporting pollinators
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About
Awarded schools receive 18-month support they need to fully fund the installation of a rain garden or native garden at a local school, and provide funds for professional development and resources.
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Funds to the school includes:
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staff support for proper site placement,
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expert advice on design suited for the school,
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coordination for a planting in the spring or fall,
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garden supplies,
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purchase of native plants,
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a compost bin,
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garden signs, and
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professional development to use the garden for lesson integration opportunities. ​
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Participating Schools
Awarded Schools include:
2023 Install:
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Ben Franklin Junior High -
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Wisconsin River Academy - SPASH
2024 Install:
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McKinley Elementary School
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Point of Discovery School
2025 Install:
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PJ Jacobs Junior High CLICK HERE for Final Report
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Madison Elementary CLICK HERE for Final Report
Timeline
After the selected school(s) are announced in the fall 2022, the 18 month support begins:
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January– Team Meeting: Overall school goals and program explanation
February– Team Meeting: Site Planning & Design
March– Team Meeting: Site Planning & Plant Selection
April– Team Meeting: Coordinating Volunteer Day & Summer Maintenance Schedule
May/Early June– The Planting Day (exact date TBD or it could be a September / fall install)
Summer – Watering Schedule and Monthly Weeding
August - Using the Garden Workshop. Set objectives for using the garden with different classes.
Fall - Seed Collecting & Professional Development/guest speakers as requested
January/February - Team Meeting: Planning for spring event
March/April - Team Meeting: Planning for spring garden celebration and plan for summer maintenance
May - Garden Tour & School Celebration
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This program provides access to guest speakers and support lessons as needed and requested by the school.
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Photo credit on images used on this webpage: Susan Schuller
Green & Healthy School Team at Madison Elementary
Stevens Point, WI
Questions? Contact Susan@RecyclingConnections.org or call 715-343-0722
Supporters
This is a partnership project between the City of Stevens Point Public Utilities and Recycling Connections with the additional community partners listed here:
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