Students Work to Beautify Pittsburgh Perry High School with Greenery
On November 3rd, a group of Perry High School students teamed up with staff from Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) to help “green” the outside of their school. The group, made up of over 20 students from multiple grades and classes, spent part of their school day creating a new perennial garden to highlight the school’s entrance.
Plants and technical assistance were provided by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) through the School Grounds Greening Project, a partnership of WPC, The Grable Foundation and Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) district. The project aims to add low-maintenance, sustainable greenery to each school in the PPS district by 2011, while actively involving the school community in an effort to provide greener and healthier landscapes in which the students can learn, play, and interact.
Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, students worked hard digging holes and installing a variety of plants including rhododendron bushes, hostas, and ornamental grasses. After planting the new greenery, students spread fresh layers of mulch across the perennial bed, adding a neat finishing touch. As they worked, students learned interesting facts about the plants as well as how mulch benefits plants by helping stunt weed growth and retaining moisture.
Planting the new perennial bed provided students with a valuable hands-on experience. They not only learned about the planting process and made a positive change at their school; they had fun doing it. Student volunteer Ashley Grzegorczyk commented, “It was a great opportunity to do something nice for the school with classmates, and have fun!” Talonda Simpson, fellow student volunteer, agreed: “The day we helped plant outside was fun and a great experience,” she said. She also added, “It taught me a lot about planting. I had an awesome time.”
