Watersheds: Step Two

If your Co-op has successfully completed a small project without coming to blows, it's time to expand the scope a bit.  Has your group installed a rain barrel or planted a pallet garden?  Did you hang a rain chain or stencil storm drains?  Do you want a restoration project?  Cacapon Institute's Project Page  can give you ideas.  What about a  raised bed with native plants?  Last fall, the kids at Winchester Academy scavenged landscape ties and got soil, plants, nails,and mulch donated.  You can paint untreated lumber to protect it.  Raised beds are easier to maintain.  Use native plants which are hardier.  Be sure to label the plants.  Ask kids to research their botanical names.  Create a garden plant map.  Ask them to look up the advantages of raised beds.  Take photos and document the process for your blog, lapbook, or electronic portfolio.