Do you like flowers? What about dogwood trees? If you do, you’d be interested in stopping by the hottest spot in town: the schoolyard habitat at Stamford High! With the help of the AP Environmental students, Mrs. Karlson, and Mr. Van Acker, a functional and aesthetically pleasing sanctuary for native species is being developed. Two years ago, Stamford High received a grant from the Greenwich Auduban society, as well as from an anonymous donor, to develop this garden and make it a hub for various environmental life. Theodore Landscaping just recently donated mulch to the site, and is assisting in the construction of easily accessible stairs leading to the garden.

Currently, the students are cleaning up the area after a long winter by removing weeds (such as dandelions, mug wart, baby maple trees and yellow wood sorrel). They will soon begin laying down the mulch all around the garden and on top of areas covered with leaves so that by next fall, healthy and nutrient-rich soil will be produced from the decomposition of these materials. In an effort to make the garden more accessible to students and staff, some of the AP Environmental students are brainstorming ways to build inexpensive stairs made from reusable natural resources, like boulders and leaves.

Between the donations and the generous labor of our students, students hope to maintain a meadow-like environment in close proximity to a city where many species can take shelter and have a place to live. Whether it means just visiting the site or even lending a helping hand, come support this wonderful, up-and-coming addition to our school!