DEARBORN — Snow Elementary School was one of three schools selected to receive a $1,000 grant to help them with their Columbus Courtyard Discovery Zone project. The grant, being offered by the Rouge Education Project, includes $500 to purchase native Michigan plants and another $500 for expert assistance in designing and implementing the project. Currently, the school is in the planning and design phase of their project that includes a large native habitat to increase plant and animal diversity.

“The Snow community, including students, parents and staff, are excited about getting our schoolyard habitat designed and growing! This is a unique opportunity for kids to learn by doing and to foster a love for nature and science,” commented Snow Principal Dr. Kathy Klee.

Snow Elementary School

Three schools were selected, through a competitive application process, to participate in the program. Snow was the only Dearborn school selected but all the schools involved in the program are located in the Rouge River watershed. The Rouge Education Project (REP), a branch of the local non-profit group Friends of the Rouge, started the new Schoolyard Habitat pilot program during the 2007-2008 school year. The pilot program is focused on getting kids outside and learning by providing grants to create outdoor classrooms at local schools. Schoolyard habitats vary widely but usually incorporate four basic elements: food, water, shelter and space — all things required for plants and animals to survive. Habitats are used as multidisciplinary teaching tools to enhance school curriculum and to teach children why having a healthy, clean environment is important.