Schoolyard naturalization projects take a variety of forms, each unique to the particular school. Although schools should not copy each other images can be extremely helpful in bringing the concept of schoolyard naturalization to life and selling the concept to others. Viewing images from existing naturalization projects can open your eyes to the potential of your own school ground. The images below show examples of projects that are a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Further down the page are two school profiles in more detail. To see if schools near you have naturalization projects you can visit, refer to the Map.
School Profiles
Wildwood Elementary
Calgary Public School Board
Inner-city
Kindergarten to Grade 6
400 students
Date: Phase I 1998, Phase II 1999
Rationale/Vision:
The Wild Woods was developed as an outdoor learning area and as a natural setting for other activities such as reading and creative writing. The idea was to use native plants to represent a selection of Alberta's Natural Regions. A smaller portion of the area was set aside for a vegetable garden and experimental area where non-native plants could be used for science projects, to attract wildlife and for similar activities.
Description: After landscaping was complete the site was left fallow for a growing season. This allowed the weeds in the new topsoil to germinate and be removed. Plants included trees, shrubs, wildflowers (that were planted as plugs), and grasses that were seeded. The natural area is divided into three sections to represent the Rocky Mountain, Parkland, and Grassland natural regions. In all, over 80 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses have been added.
Size: 45 metres by 25 metres
Budget: $15,000.00
Ecole William Reid (School)
Calgary Public School Board
French Immersion
Inner city
Kindergarten to Grade 6
175 students.
Rationale/Vision:
The Ecole William Reid School Naturalization Project will give the students, teachers and community a learning experience by creating a natural habitat in an urban setting. The project will enable members of both the community and Ecole William Reid School to work together to improve their community environment.
Description: A mural covers the entire wall of the school. The final project includes four gathering areas for small group learning and a larger sandstone amphitheatre. Grassland and Aspen Parkland natural regions were represented as a dry riverbed winds through the area. There are three experimental beds, compost bins and a storage unit with greenhouse on top. They accessorized the project with an accurate sundial painted on the ashphalt. They added a labyrinth in another phase.
Size: 60 metres by 20 metres
Budget: $63,000.00
