Fall City Elementary School teachers Lolly Shera, Lory Bishop and myself received a grant from Citizens for Better Schools to develop a school-yard habitat on the grounds of Fall City Elementary. There has been tremendous support from parents, the P.T.S.A. and local businesses for our new garden.

We would like to thank Rainier Wood Recyclers for donating ten yards of bark mulch and Cedar Grove Compost for donating ten yards of topsoil. Many parents have stepped forward with offers to help create the project and to donate plants.

This project kicked off with a work party on April 7 where parents, teachers, community members and students gathered at 10 a.m. with shovels, wheelbarrows and tremendous energy. The first phase of the project will be completed by June 23. This will consist of a bird and butterfly habitat utilizing native plants, raised beds focusing on science skills the students are currently being taught and an observation area providing educators and students with the opportunity to draw upon each of their five senses.

It will be a new resource for on-site field trips where students will explore and investigate, creating a spark for environmental awareness.

Sidney Mullock

Fall City