By Stephanie Benoit
When the students of York Street Public School return to the classroom this fall, recess is going to look a little different. Over the summer, staff from EnviroCentre and Forêt Capitale Forest have been hard at work coordinating the planting of over 200 individual trees, shrubs and wildflowers as part of a schoolyard greening project.
Two notable additions coming to the schoolyard are a Tiny Forest and a green fence line. A Tiny Forest is a special type of forest that makes a great addition to any small urban space. It includes native trees, shrubs and wildflowers planted closely together to encourage growth. The soil it grows in has been adjusted to mimic the mature forest floor that would have been found in this area long ago. Tiny Forests provide shade, reduce local heat, filter rainwater and improve biodiversity. They also provide a living lab for students to learn about forests, ecosystems and the environment.
Along the schoolyard fence line, over 200 shrubs and trees have been planted to create a schoolyard oasis. These plants will reduce noise and distractions from the surrounding streets.
The project is being funded through a private donation from the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation-Ottawa Community Foundation. Joan Johnston, herself a Lowertown resident, passes by the school frequently and saw an opportunity to make the schoolyard a greener and more enriching space. She hopes local politicians and policymakers will be inspired to advocate for more naturalized spaces on school properties, especially those within the most urbanized communities.
There is a growing body of research showing the benefits of green school grounds. According to Tree Canada, “Greener school grounds directly impact children’s health and well-being, improve learning and environments, and provide better access to nature.” Studies have linked a school’s greenness and overall tree canopy to both improved cognitive development and academic achievement.
York Street Public School staff, students and families will have an opportunity to participate in the planting of the Tiny Forest in October. They will be able to see the benefits of this wonderful addition grow along with their forest! Additional components of the project will be completed in 2024.
Stephanie Benoit is the Community Sustainability Program Coordinator at the EnviroCentre.