Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School has received a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant to create a Northwest Native Preservation Area at the school’s entrance. CH-S Boosters applied for the grant which was announced in January.
“Our goal is to transform what had been a neglected space to create a beautiful and sustainable area that can be a focal point of our school,” said Jessica Arnold, the CH-S Booster and grant author. “Our plan includes removing the current vegetation and replacing it with trees and shrubs that are native so the area can thrive naturally, with minimal maintenance and look great for many years.”
There will also be a walkway and benches to be used as a place to read, write, or just enjoy the natural surroundings. “We see this area as multi-purpose,” Arnold explained. “Not only will it be attractive scenery for the school entrance, but it could be a creative writing area for students and a natural observation area for science.”
Arnold expects the project to be completed in early June through volunteer efforts. They have secured the help of Tony Collins, Greenway Sensitive Lands Specialist with City of Vancouver and CH-S parent, for help in plant selection. CH-S Booster president, Jean Collins, also did much of the design work for the area. “In addition to our committee, local Girl Scout Troop 45012 has offered their assistance,” Arnold said. Volunteer groups have already been identified to maintain the area.
Cape Horn-Skye principal Mary Lou Woody is very excited about the upcoming project and commented that, “We are looking forward to this spring when the landscaping is completed. Our school and community will certainly enjoy this beautiful new area with benches, native trees, and shrubs. We are thankful to Lowe’s for generously supporting this project!
“We have such a great team of Boosters!” she added.
