Memorial School Students Install Rain Garden to Control Runoff and Increase Biodiversity

Seventh and eighth grade students at Memorial School in Eatontown researched, designed and planted a rain garden on school grounds to control runoff and increase local biodiversity. Their efforts earned the school the Silver Award from Eco-Schools USA an environmental education program run by National Wildlife Federation nationwide and coordinated by New Jersey Audubon in New Jersey.

The Memorial School courtyard was prone to flooding after rain, a common problem in developed areas. Downspouts would make puddles in the courtyard, creating runoff that would eventually lead to storm drains. Runoff occurs when there is more water than the land can absorb. As the excess water moves, it picks up and carries pollutants and deposits them into nearby creaks, streams, ponds, wetlands, and coastal waters. The Memorial School recognized the problem as a unique learning opportunity for students.

Science teacher, Jill Wetzel worked with the students to develop a rain garden, an inexpensive solution to urban storm water runoff. By increasing the ability of the land to absorb rainwater with the addition of native plants, a rain garden protects local waterways by reducing pollution while increasing biodiversity and providing important habitat for local wildlife. Equally beneficial in the case of the Memorial, the rain garden serves as a valuable educational tool.

Seventh grade students researched native plants and designed the garden and the school’s Community Service Alliance consisting of both seventh and eighth graders helped to plant the native shrubs and flowers. Students will continue to monitor the amount of rainfall and the ability of the garden to absorb excess water.

“Students have been very motivated by this project,” said Mrs. Wetzel. “They would ask daily to stay after to plant and were extremely proud of their efforts.”

Memorial School is one of over 240 schools in New Jersey to participate in Eco-Schools USA, a program that engages schools in efforts to improve student environmental literacy and skills. Eco-Schools USA awarded Memorial School the Silver Award for their efforts in protecting waterways and increasing biodiversity through student driven action.

“By engaging the children in finding solutions to real world environmental issues, Memorial School is empowering their students to take action in the world” said Allison Mulch, Eco-Schools coordinator, New Jersey Audubon. “This type of hands-on learning is likely to stay with them for years to come.”

Ms. Mulch provides free training and resources to Eco-Schools throughout New Jersey and works directly with administrators, educators, and school boards to help schools progress through the program. Although Eco-Schools USA is nationwide, her position is unique to New Jersey provided by a partnership with PSEG Foundation, National Wildlife Federation and New Jersey Audubon.

About Eco-Schools: Eco-Schools is an international program hosted by the National Wildlife Federation in the U.S., and coordinated by New Jersey Audubon in NJ. The program serves over 4,300 schools throughout the country. Eco-Schools USA in New Jersey supports and directly aligns with Sustainable Jersey for Schools point-based system. The Eco-Schools USA website has an interactive map that shows locations and distribution of participating schools. For more information: http://www.njaudubon.org/SectionEducation/ProvidingfortheEducationCommunity/NWFEco-SchoolsUSA.aspx

About National Wildlife Federation: National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization inspiring people to protect wildlife for our children’s future. NWF focuses its education and policy work on connecting children to nature for a nation of happier, healthier kids. NWF’s state affiliate is NJ Audubon. For more information: www.nwf.org.

About NJ Audubon: New Jersey Audubon is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization that fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey's citizens; protects New Jersey's birds, mammals, other animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and promotes preservation of New Jersey's valuable natural habitats. For more information: www.njaudubon.org.