Led by Middle School students, the Green Team is a dedicated group passionate about making our community greener. Over the past week, they made impressive progress through two initiatives: caring for classroom plants and creating a student-led tree nursery.

 

The team began by researching the benefits of indoor plants, discovering how they improve air quality, boost the mood of students and teachers, and bring a touch of nature into learning spaces. They then transformed their findings into a booklet to share with peers, emphasizing why indoor plants are important and why caring for them should be a shared responsibility. To put their plan into action, the Green Team surveyed all Middle School classrooms to see which rooms would enjoy more plants. After many teachers expressed interest, the team re-potted and distributed plants, giving them a new home throughout the school.

 

Beyond indoor plants, the team has been preparing a larger-scale project: a tree nursery around the Middle School playground. They researched and selected the white spruce, Picea glauca, a species with historical significance, thriving in northern North America after glaciers receded and serving key roles for Indigenous peoples and early colonists, from construction to traditional medicine. The nursery began with a ceremonial planting, with the first tree planted by the Middle School Principal Beth Coyle just outside the office.

 

Each tree in the nursery tells a story. QR codes around them allow fellow students and visitors to learn about their growth and ecological importance. Once mature, the trees may be donated, replanted on campus, or gifted, extending their impact beyond the school grounds.

 

Through research, engagement, and hands-on action, the Middle School Green Team is inspiring the community to connect with nature and take an active role in sustainability.