Raised Bed Gardens
Raised bed gardening was one of the first projects established at Lakeland to utilize the vast open green space and the energy behind becoming a green school. The first 8 beds were created in the Spring of 2013 with additional beds added in the Spring and Summer of 2014. The raised beds have been used to teach about edible plants, gardening, bugs, math, and healthy eating. Students actively plant and maintain the gardens. In the summer months produce is given to community members and summer Staff. This portion of lakeland's schoolyard is ever growing with plans to create more garden beds this Spring.
Fruit Tree Orchard
In conjunction with our planting partner, the Baltimore Orchard Project, and additional assistance from the Shriver Choice Program, Lakeland was able to plant 24 fruit trees for future generations to enjoy. The trees are mulched, watered and staked by students on work days throughout the year.
Salad Tables
During the summer of 2014, Lakeland Elementary Middles School's Freedom School program built two salad tables with the help of the Youth Works program. The tables were then planted with kale, spinach, and spring mix by 1st-4th graders with the hopes of harvesting the leafy greens for snacks. This project serves multiple purposes 1) Students learn about sustainable farming 2) Students learn about plant life cycles and organism needs 3) Students learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy food. The Salad Tables located on a second floor patio are maintained when weather allows the Green Lions after school program.
Outdoor Artwork
Originally started as a fundraising activity and a way to further beautify our garden spaces, our art teacher Ms. Myers has worked with students to create unique painted fence posts. Staff and community members "sponsored" fence posts, which allowed us funds to purchase the posts. Students then created their own designs which are displayed on the entrance way to our vast Native Plants Garden. Students have also created totem polls which will be installed throughout the gardens. In addition to garden artwork, our campus has a number of student murals.