Grant funding will add native plants, biodiversity
A plan to enhance Columbia River High School’s courtyards recently received a $2,000 boost from the National FFA in the form of a 2015-16 Living to Serve: Environmental Grant. The grant will fund a project that increases the number of native plants and adds biodiversity while reducing weed growth and minimizing stormwater runoff. The project also will engage students and staff members in the identification and study of the ecological importance of native plants.
The school’s FFA chapter, which has approximately 32 members and is advised by teacher Heather Mardon, will begin the first phase by planting native shrubs in September, augmenting the native species already planted by previous FFA and horticulture students. Planting activities planned for the grant will conclude in February with the addition of native perennials.
Educational outreach will take place October 2015 through May 2016. Efforts will include informational placards, wildlife and insect spotting opportunities and a contest, information for roughly 300 students in biology and horticulture classes and a photo contest.
Three partners will help make the project a reality. Portland Nursery will provide tools, plants and mulch. Natural Grocers will supply raffle gift cards. The Columbia River High School community will participate in the installation and educational outreach.