Background:
April 28th, 2005 was a day of transformation for the school grounds of Kingsview Middle School. As part of their 2005 Green Day Conference the eighth grade students listened to speakers from throughout Maryland and Washington DC and participated in activities to help make the schoolyard a more environmentally friendly component of the watershed. Over 50 trees and 200 seedlings were planted along the property line of the school. The courtyard was weeded and seeded wildflowers.A rain garden was planted near the school’s stormwater run-off drain.

Environmental Concern worked with over 50 students to build and plant the rain garden. A small portion of the lawn was tilled in preparation of planting. The students began the day by clearing the area and spreading a layer of fresh topsoil to help give the plants a base full of nutrient rich soil. Students then planted over 200 native plants in the rain garden. Finally, a layer of mulch was added to assist with the decomposition of organic materials, hold in moisture for the plants and hinder weed growth. At the end of Green Day ‘05 Kingsview had lots of green thumbs and a greener schoolyard!