Calvin Donaldson Elementary School is working closely with the Hamilton County Water Quality Program, TVA Partners in Education, local businesses, and community members to build an educational wetland on its campus, school officials said.
The wetland will serve to offer an in-depth educational platform for every grade level to study environmental science, it was stated.
The wetland will be connected to the current stormwater detention pond, allowing the captured water to slowly feed the wetland. The plant selection will be exclusively native species chosen to increase habitat for animals and broaden the diversity of plants thereby increasing the education opportunities for students, officials said.
Following completion of the construction phase, a volunteer day is planned for parents, students, and community members to put in thee plants making way for increased participation and community partnership with the school. A formal dedication will be held in May.
Funding is being provided through the Chattanooga Community Foundation.
It is anticipated the this project will qualify for “educational credits” from the Chattanooga Stormwater Fee Program.