Pittsburgh South Brook students add “Green” to their school grounds
Enthusiastic students at Pittsburgh South Brook 6-8 teamed up with staff from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) on October 28 in an effort to beautify their school grounds with greenery. Approximately 40 students and several faculty members worked through most of the school day, digging holes and planting trees, as well as and replacing careworn bushes with new flowering shrubs. The plants and technical assistance were provided by the WPC School Grounds Greening Project, a partnership of WPC, The Grable Foundation and Pittsburgh Public Schools to add low-maintenance, sustainable greenery to each public school in the district by 2011. 
Pittsburgh South Brook volunteers in the new outdoor classroom area, front row: (L – R) Joey S., Brayona N., Robert S., Stephen K., Roc A., Justin H., Damian Y., Chris L., Mrs. Weaver; second row: Jessica F., Amanda K., Chelsea D., Jasmyah G., Vanessa K., Jake R., Leah H., Jared M., Cody C.; and last row: Mrs. Devine, Haley W., Niya H. , Kayla S., Nick K., Gage H., Bryton S., Ricky M., and Mr. Haselrig.
Teamed in groups of four, the shovel-wielding students dug pits for seven new maple trees. Once the holes were finished, the volunteers watched as WPC staff demonstrated proper tree planting techniques. The students also learned interesting facts about the new trees, which will provide colorful foliage to the building’s exterior.
While some planted trees, other students focused their efforts on digging up older shrubs near the school entrances. A few hours of labor resulted in the removal of several bushes, cleaned and freshly mulched beds, with newly planted flowering shrubs.
In addition to the tree and shrub plantings, WPC staff began construction on an outdoor classroom space near the main entrance. This area will provide the teachers with an opportunity to instruct their students in an outdoor environment. It also serves as a convenient sitting area for reading and reflection.
At the end of the school day, the participating students and faculty members were proud of the results of their hard work. “I feel good because I helped make the school look nice,” said 6th grader DeAmaughnte Hester. Vanessa Khol, an 8th grader, commented, “I think the plants gave the school a better look. The plants we added made a great addition to the outside of the school and made it a better looking place.”
Many students simply enjoyed the process of working outside: “It was really fun…a great way to make new friends, and also a way for kids to get along,” said 8th grader Roc Atkins. 6th Grader Robert Schuck added, “It was fun because you don’t normally do stuff like that in school.”
Science teacher Ken Haselrig felt the project not only made “tremendous difference” to the school exterior, but also provided a unique learning experience for the students: “What excited me the most was how enthusiastically the kids took to the project and the enjoyment they seemed to get from helping,” said Mr. Haselrig. “Not only did they learn a lot but I really think the 40 plus kids involved feel a stronger sense of ownership in their school as a result.”
South Brook volunteers (L – R) Mrs. Devine, Mackey F., Justin H., Amanda K., Jessica F., Samantha H., and Stephen K. watch a tree installation demonstration by WPC’s David Wilson.
South Brook students Jessica F., Amanda K., Samantha H. and Jasmyah G. join Mrs. Weaver to pose with their newly planted tree.
South Brook students cleaned away old plant beds and added new Rhododendron bushes.
