Employees, volunteers and students at Battle Academy are planning a sensory and pollinator garden focused on native plants at their rooftop garden and school campus this spring with funds from the Chattanooga Area Pollinator Partnership’s (CHAPP) Seeds for Education Grant Program administered by Wild Ones Tennessee Valley Chapter.
"Here everyone, but especially the children, will learn about native plants that have grown in this area for thousands of years, while getting a close-up view of butterflies, songbirds and other creatures that use the plants for food or shelter," officials said.
Parents and family members are invited to see the new garden space at the school’s Arts Experience on May 21.
"Seeds for Education grants include technical assistance and advice from local experts.
The grants honor Wild Ones founder Lorrie Otto, who originated the modern era of school garden projects in the 1970s in the Milwaukee, WI area," officials said. "Overhill Nursery, a native plant nursery located in Vonore, was instrumental in providing advice and support during the planning process."
Beverly Inman-Ebel, president of the Wild Ones Tennessee Valley Chapter said, "We are pleased to support the children of Battle Academy as they learn about pollination, the water cycle and beautify the school grounds with their project.”
Teachers from second grade said, "This will be an exciting hands-on learning experience for our children. They have been engaged in research about pollinators, the importance of them, and how we can advocate for pollinators in our area."
Fifth grade garden club members and second graders have had a chance to plant the new flowers, perennials and blueberries for the garden.