Milne Park Conservation Association

Ashton Meadows Public School

Toronto Region Conservation Authority and York Region Environmental Alliance

Greensborough Public School

Thornhill East Don Scouts

School Yard Outdoor Classroom and Naturalization Project (Fall 2004)
Location: 30 Fonda Rd, Markham (Ward 7)

The Markham Gateway Public School Eco Camp Students asked for $4000 to plant large trees to continue naturalizing the schools outdoor classroom. In 2003, twenty Eco Camp Students and two teachers began creating the outdoor classroom which included planting trees around a rock circle.  In Spring 2004, the students planted shrubs and trees as the second phase of the outdoor classroom.

The outdoor classroom is adjacent to Beaupre Park where the students intend to extend the naturalization.  The request for $4000 completed the planting in October 2004 with an additional eight to twelve large calliper trees, a walking path and sitting location to form an extended learning area.

Date: April 30, 2005
Location: Austin Drive Park

The purpose of this project is to restore and rehabilitate Austin Park/Walden Pond.

The long term goal of the project is complete succession woodlot, a forest and a highly risible, low maintenance wildflower garden.

The 3rd such event was held April 30th and included the planting of host hardwoods and coniferous trees along with a mix of trees and shrubs to mimic an early success on woodlot.

This successful event was accomplished with funding from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund.

A special thanks to Mary Hopperton for undertaking this important project.

Date: April 2005
Location: German Mills Settlers' Park, German Mills Road

Under warm, blue skies on April 30, the Grade 4 and Grade 5 classes of German Mills Public School walked across the road from our school, then raced far down into the neighbourhood ravine. When we reached the water, we traveled about 100 metres north along German Mills Creek to a sunny spot.

We were going to plant trees in Settlers’ Park. When we met Caroline and Mike, of the Evergreen Foundation and the Metro Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, we were given gloves, shovels and the "root-stock" we were to plant.

Caroline and Mike trained us all in how to plant the trees and handle the shovels safely. Students in groups of two and three worked for about 40 minutes digging holes and planting various native trees and shrubs, including pussy willow, river willow, dogwood, alder and elderberry.  It was hard work – but worthwhile!

Not only will these plants provide shade and beauty, but also great habitats for the wildlife of the valley.  Their roots will also help to reinforce the riverbank so that erosion won't wash the soil away.

Thanks to Thornhill Boy Scouts' troop leader Dennis Murray for organizing and leading us on this wonderful expedition, and to the Town of Markham for funding the project.

Thanks to them, we planted about 75 trees. We look forward to going back and seeing how they’ve grown!

John Baumann, Grade 5 Teacher, German Mills Public School.