By Shelli-Kae Foster
Robin Trott, University of Minnesota Extension Educator/Douglas County began Part 2 of the Rain Garden workshop mini-series by asking a group of 6 YES! students “Why do you want to build a rain garden?” One student replied, “To make our school look better,” while another added, “To filter the rain water.” Robin jumped right in and explained to the students that they must first do a soil test, measure the garden spot, and determine the amount of sunlight that will reach the location. She talked about a variety of plants that have deep root systems that provide a natural filter.
Robin explained that native plants are good for the earth in many ways including: cleaning the air, cleaning the water, creating habitat, and making a beautiful space to look at and relax in. In fact, the art teacher at Parkers Prairie is also excited about the native garden because it will be a great place for students to paint and draw the plants they see.
The students and YES! coach (Mrs. Schoeneck) look forward to Robin returning later this spring to select plants and then planting their rain garden May!
