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| Guide to Oak Forest Elementary Gardens and Nature Areas (Beginning at the front door and walking counter clockwise around the campus) These areas built and tended by the Growers of Oak Forest Butterfly and Hummingbird beds at school entrance - These beds are filled with plants that attract and feed these critters. Students use it for art, writing, and other studies. Still to come, instructional signs. Marquee Area – Since this is the first impression many people get of OFE, we replant it with native plants 3 to 4 times per year to keep colorful and attractive Honey Bee Tree – Inside the cedar fence, these insects are vital for flower and garden pollination Annual 5th grade tree and other front tree plantings - Each year the graduating 5th graders donate a new tree to the school. Many trees on the school campus are marked with an informational sign listing its common name and its scientific name. Currently over 100 tags and still to come +100 more. Kindergarten garden, behind front brick wall – Here our newest students are introduced to gardening and nature. Common plantings are carrots, blue bonnets, and lettuce Nature Area with Outdoor Classroom – Many native plants were reintroduced in this area that was reclaimed from being a mowed parcel. At the far southwest corner the outdoor classroom has seating for a full class and a teaching position. The area is behind the split rail fence. This area is recognized by several organizations as a registered wildlife preserve. Feeders are tended by the Nature Club. First Grade Gardens, behind the brick wall on south side of school – Each class of 1st graders plants and tends a small plot in this garden. The small compost bin and butterfly garden are used to teach about recycling and nature. Fifth grade garden, little red shed, and composting area – In this area each 5th grader spends an hour every two weeks tending a real live vegetable and herb garden. Most vegetables that are feasible in the Atascocita area are raised here during the school year. Supplies and tools needed for all the gardening and nature programs are kept in the shed. The composting area turns most school green waste into valuable compost for the gardens. Weather Station – Check the weather at the school anytime day or night http://www.oakforestgrowers.com Second Grade garden – This area is being used as a Monarch (butterfly) Way Station and is tended by the second grades students, teachers, and volunteers Science Classroom - In this portable classroom, students carry out experiments and have science classes Oak Forest Orchard – Some twenty fruit and nut trees have been planted here in the past few years. The area is used in conjunction with gardening classes. East side Nature Area and critter feeding – Here the nature club feeds and studies birds and an occasional other critter. (moles, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, etc.) Reforest the forest along east parking lot – Some 125 native trees and shrubs were planted in this formerly mowed area to allow it to be reclaimed as a forested buffer between OFE and the shopping area that replaced a forest in 2007. Each year hundreds of bags of pine needles and leaves are recycled here to add cover, smother grass, and add valuable nutrients to the soil. Recycling efforts – The students at OFE recycle leaves and pine needles, paper, plastic bottles, aluminum drink containers, printer cartridges, and green matter (fruit and vegetable scraps) from the cafeteria. All spent flowers and plants are composted to provide future organic matter for the gardens. Nature Corner in the Library – In the library a special corner has been designated as the Nature Corner. Donated books and displays allow students to research or read about nature and gardening. The Growers of Oak Forest is a committee of teachers, parents, and community members dedicated to offering “hands on” learning experiences for the students of Oak Forest Elementary |