Planting the Seeds of Environmental Stewardship

First graders are used to being looked after by their mothers. This week, they’re getting their own chance to look after another kind of mother—Mother Earth.

Under the direction of some dedicated PTA volunteers and Jane Giresi, the Miller-Driscoll science coordinator, all the students at Wilton’s K-2 elementary school are participating in a hands-on planting and environmental awareness program to commemorate Earth Day.

Over three days, each of the classes will help plant flowers and vegetables in the school’s Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) and learn about recycling, conservation and ecological sustainability. The OLC is an inner courtyard that is maintained as a space where the students can take part in science, botany and environmental lessons throughout the year.

“What does Earth Day mean?” The first graders were eager to answer: “Recycling," “Nature,”  “Not littering,” “Thinking about the world.” All good answers, as some continued to talk about turning out lights to save energy and turning off the water while they brush their teeth.

According to Nicole Thornbrough, one of three PTA volunteers who coordinate the OLC activities all year, students in each grade will take part in age-appropriate, hands-on projects through Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The effort is geared to make environmental thought and action more relatable for the kids.

“First graders will learn about recycling through a ‘garbage scavenger hunt,’ collecting trash that’s been scattered throughout the OLC and then sorting it in the proper bins. Then they’re planting a flag garden to go along with the red, white and blue motif of the school’s theme this year, ‘United We Stand,’ ” said Thornbrough.

She also noted that on Wednesday, kindergarteners will plant a rainbow garden using various shades of impatients. On Thursday, the second graders will plant vegetables in the raised beds, including lettuce started at Millstone Farm, and lots of carrots that will be served in the school’s cafeteria once they’re harvested next fall.

The school has gotten some assistance from Wilton landscape architects Glen Gate, which refurbished and refilled the OLC’s pond for the Earth Day activities, and they also helped clean up the space before the start of the school year last summer, all at no cost. In addition, two representatives will be teaching the second graders about composting. “They’ve been generous and wonderful to us,” said Thornbrough.

Created in 1997, the OLC is maintained by 15 to 20 PTA volunteers throughout the year, including over the summer. The volunteers weed, water, and plant so that the teachers are able to use the space year round for lessons on science, the senses, weather, and plant and animal life.

According to Thornbrough, some teachers simply bring their classes outside to be able to read and enjoy nature at the same time. “We are so lucky to have this space, it really is a unique space for a school.”