This September, students at École Silverspring School planted a Food Forest around their school, caring for their environment in a tangible way. Students helped plant with patience and perseverance as they dug holes, hoisted in new trees, and shoveled mulch.
The new garden surrounds an existing o utdoor classroom with edible plants including apples, rhubarb, cherries, strawberries, haskaps, saskatoon berries, and blueberries. There are plans to add more seating and plants around the space throughout the year.
The Food Forest was designed with wildlife, birds, and pollinators in mind, and flowers will be in bloom from May through September. It includes species chosen to attract native butterflies and bees so students can see Saskatchewan's ecosystems in action.
The schools' principal, Ms. Jonelle Ulrich, notes that the school's location next to the Northeast Swale, Natural Grasslands, and Forestry Farm creates unique opportunities to learn about nature. Kids even enjoy elk sightings at recess time!
The idea for this project was planted by school families, and brought to life with support from the School Community Council, Silverspring Community Association, Cenovus Energy, Notice Nature, Dieter Martin Greenhouse, Benny's Yardworks, and Saskatoon Public Schools.
A special thank you goes out to parent volunteers Carmen Gilmore, Kyla Avis, and Alain Fafard for organizing and preparing for the planting day.
