Gauger-Cobbs and UD Team Up To Create New Pollinator Garden

Gauger-Cobbs Middle School is proud to announce the completion of its new 6,000-square-foot pollinator garden. Created in partnership with 130 University of Delaware landscape architecture students and Gauger-Cobbs science teacher Jonathan Rickerman.

The garden features over 1,000 native plants from 15 different species, carefully selected by the UD students and James Zimmerman, a landscape horticulture and design professor at UD, to attract pollinators like Monarch butterflies and promote local biodiversity.

Key features of the new garden include:

• Outdoor Learning Spaces: The garden includes two mini outdoor classrooms where students can study plant life cycles and environmental stewardship.
• Wellness Areas: A dedicated seating area provides a peaceful environment for students and staff to relax, meditate, or journal.
• Living Memorial: A dogwood tree has been planted in loving memory of school bus driver Wanda Montalvo. Principal Colleen Brown noted that this tribute ensures her memory remains a part of the Gauger-Cobbs community.
• Student Stewardship: Ongoing garden maintenance will be spearheaded by the school’s environmental club.

We’re excited to add this addition to our school community. It will be a special place for both learning and enjoying nature!

Check out the featured story in the Newark Post – UD landscape architecture students install pollinator garden at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School.