Volunteers plant more than 60 native trees at McNaughton Avenue Public School

The $15,000 project, led by NatureCK and funded through grants and donations, is the first phase of a planned outdoor learning space.

Volunteers planted more than 60 native trees at McNaughton Avenue Public School in Chatham-Kent on Friday, the first phase of a project to turn an under-used green space into a place for students to learn outdoors, the Lambton Kent District School Board said.

The trees, representing more than five varieties, went into the northeast corner of the schoolyard. Families, local organizations and other volunteers took part.

Led by NatureCK, the project costs approximately $15,000 and is funded entirely through grants, partnerships and donations. Supporters include Greenfield Global, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, Enbridge Gas and members of the school's parent council.

NatureCK project coordinator Mark Gagner said the project began with a part of the school property that wasn't being fully used.

“We saw this under-utilized green space and immediately thought about what it could become,” said Gagner. “It felt like the perfect location to bring people together, add more native trees and create a space that can continue to grow into something meaningful for students and the school community. None of this happens without people and organizations working together, and that's really what makes this project so special.”

Plans for the space include:

• A 20-by-30-foot pollinator garden
• Two benches
• Educational signage
• Educational card sets for classroom use
• An interwoven stone chip pathway

As the trees and garden become established, the board said the space could become an outdoor extension of the classroom. Students could identify tree species, learn about native plants and pollinators and explore local ecosystems. The project will continue to grow over time.