Grounds for Change





	Schools in Calgary began naturalizing their schoolyards in the mid-1990's, and the Calgary Zoo has been a leader in the movement since 1998. The Grounds for Change program is designed to connect you to the experiences and lessons gained from years of working with over 40 Calgary-area schools. We translate knowledge into effective support to schools, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximize the benefits. We can offer insight into successful methods for planning and maintaining the site and how to use the naturalized area to complement classroom teaching. Regardless of where you are in the naturalizing process, or how old your existing project is, our program can provide relevant resources and service. Please explore our website, and then contact us for more information. Breaking News! Video Check out our NEW Grounds for Change video to learn more about schoolyard naturalization, the steps, and how we help! Click HERE! Vegetable gardening resources Grounds for Change has been working hard to create resources for schools that are interested in creating their own vegetable gardens. Similar to the process of creating a naturalized site, creating a garden should involve schoolwide enthusiasm, input from students and teachers, site surveys, and design considerations. For more information about the process, please explore our website or contact us for more information. Our current vegetable gardening resources are listed below. They include gardening tips, recommended crops, curriculum activities, and more. Check it out! Documents: School Vegetable Gardens - A complete 42 page overview of gardening, including benefits, soil considerations, climate, what to plant, and curriculum activites! A Year of Vegetable Gardening - A month by month breakdown of vegetable gardening activities from JanDec, including ideas to get students involved! Professional Development: Professional Development from the Calgary Zoo - Grow your interest! Classes in the fall of 2011. Our challenging and rewarding classes offer expertise for serious beginners or seasoned veterans. Also, keep your eyes peeled for great gardening classes in the spring of 2012 - to be announced! Professional Development from the Calgary Horticultural Society - A wealth of knowledge about gardening! Amazing workshops offered about gardening, composting, bees, and extending our short growing season. Also check their website (www.calhort.org) Websites: Gardening City Farmer, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture (www.cityfarmer.org) Lifecycles - Cultivating Communities (http://lifecyclesproject.ca) School Garden Wizard (www.schoolgardenwizard.org/) GreenHeart Education - School Gardens (www.greenhearted.org) Calgary Horticultural Society (www.calhort.org) Websites: Composting Coalition for a Healthy Calgary (www.healthycalgary.ca) Green Calgary (www.greencalgary.org) Compost Guide (www.compostguide.com) Calgary Public Library - EcoAction (www.calgarypubliclibrary.com)