Outdoor Learning Gardens

Last updated 8/12/24

There are three gardens developed as part of BWCJA’s outdoor learning space: a native plant garden, a pollinator garden, and a vegetable garden. Although each garden is funded by a different organization, each group supports the school in expanding the outdoor learning space as classes come up with new ideas for expansion and use. This enrichment component is developed through the art and science curricula for students in grades Pre-K through five.

Native Plant Garden

Litzsinger Road Ecology Center sponsors the native plant garden, which is located between the teachers’ parking lot and the playground. It contains over seventy-five native Missouri plants and was planted in the fall of 2016 by third, fourth, and fifth grade students and their families. Families can continue to support this garden by making sure no one walks on or crushes the plants during pick-up and after school hours.

In the last two years, this native garden has been in serious need for help. Several very invasive species such as Johnson grass have been spreading out making it hard to maintain the plot. Invasive species crowd the native plants and reduce the plant biodiversity. If you would like to volunteer to improve this garden, please contact Matt Sellers at Gary.Sellers@slps.org or Yelena Juracsik Yelena.Juracsik@slps.org. 

Pollinator Garden

The pollinator garden, planted in the spring of 2017, is located on both sides of the semicircle at WCJA’s main entrance. Bluestone Perennials donated 18 pollinator plants for participating in The National Wildlife Federation’s Subaru Loves the Earth collaboration. First-grade students worked eagerly to design and plant this garden.

The pollinator garden was re-established and upgraded in 2023 after the removal of bushes and trees from both sides of the semicircle at the main entrance. During school-wide beatifications and with the help of students, their parents and teachers, the soil was amended and planted with perennial flowers for year after year blooms. Plants are being donated by families, neighbors and staff. The Pollinator garden provides a hands-on approach for studying plant life, pollinators, and ecosystems. Volunteer families are always welcome to help with the Pollinator garden. If you have questions about the pollinator garden, please contact Yelena Juracsik at yelena.juracsik@slps.org or Kristina White at kristina.white@slps.org.