Photo credit: Rocky Feroe

How our project began
Three years ago a school parent Diane Hinves, took on the job of revitalizing the school and the community green spaces. The Naturescape has been one of the most exciting phases of the overhaul. The Naturescape is an important environmental, learning and community-building project.

The site before we began
Mowed turf void of soul!

Our goals and objectives
A demonstration site where community and school can share and learn. Environmentally we will create habitat, reduce green house gas emissions, conserve and recycle. Our greater impact will be educational and promotional. The Naturescape will provide students a venue for learning about their local environment. It will integrate curriculum based instruction with hands-on activities. Children will learn to care about the natural world. They will carry their values and knowledge with them throughout their lives.

Introduced Natural Features

• Bird habitat
• Butterfly habitat
• Forest/ woodland
• Native shrubs
• Native trees
• Native wildflowers
• Vegetable/ herb garden
• Labyrinth

• Composting bins
• Pathways/ boardwalk
• Raised planter bed
• Seating
• Signage
• Wildlife structures
• Rain barrel

How we addressed issues of safety and vandalism
We are relying on good karma and aren't expecting any vandalism. As added insurance we put in only plant material that was "large" and well-established. Our trees were all two inch caliber or larger. Our bolders are all greater than 18 inches.

Barriers we encountered and how we overcame them
We had the help from experts at the City of Edmonton, the school board and Evergreen early on. Enlisting others with good past experience and networking with others who had gone before has helped keep barriers to a minimum.

Our strategies for sustaining the project over the long-term
The lead on this project was from a member of the Parent Advisory Committee for the school (Diane Hinves). We have ensured that a Naturescape proponent in training is on the Parent Advisory Board at all times. The new lead is Kate Rathwell. We have a maintenance reserve fund set-up to be maintained from year to year as a back up plan. We have a maintenance strategy outlined.

Our strategies for preventing and/or dealing with volunteer burnout
Keep letting people know about the project over and over! Give many people small jobs!

How we reward volunteer efforts
Getting to plant a tree has to be reward enough for all but the most jaded! For those thrill-seekers who need more, there is the excitement of finding a worm or two while weeding. On occasion we sneak in some extra rewards by sitting on one of our benches and watching the birds eating pin cherries.

Other comments and reflections
Keep letting people know about the project over and over! Keep giving the media the opportunity to pick up the story. Naturescaping is worth hearing about over and over.