Participants in this summer’s Native Plants Youth Work Program signed up for a weeklong project, and delivered a garden that will last a lifetime.
Work kicked off with preparations for the future space. Students first identified and removed invasive vegetation, then learned traditional ecological knowledge from a Cultural Analyst who works with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR). Made possible through support from BEF’s strategic partnership with Synopsys, the project was spearheaded by the district’s American Indian/Alaska Native Education Program team and culminated in a family celebration this fall.
The Native Plants Garden is part of a STEAM-focused curriculum and outreach partnership with the district’s American Indian/Alaska Native Education Program team, focused on the knowledge acquired by generations of indigenous and local peoples through direct contact with the environment.
“This garden is such a tangible, creative way to connect the knowledge of the past, while teaching hands-on skills to create a sustainable future,” said BEF Executive Director, Kristine Baggett. “BEF is proud to support the powerful work the team has done to engage our students with this project.”
Additional culturally-specific gardening knowledge was shared as plants were delivered by the CTGR Nursery and native-owned, 1855 Plants. Some sections of the garden were preserved for families and students to plant in cooler conditions and were part of this fall’s Culture Day at Terra Nova, the home to Beaverton’s Science and Sustainability program.
Learn more about the other projects that made an impact last year in our 2022-23 Impact Report.