Oakhurst Elementary School Yard Habitat
The Oakhurst School Yard Habitat project was initiated in 2004 by a teacher who solicited interest from other teachers and received funding through the Decatur Education Foundation. Its objective was to work with classrooms to develop and begin to implement a plan to improve local wildlife habitat.
This project was developed to go hand in hand with Decatur’s new Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound Curriculum, teaching transdisciplinary skills (science, math, social studies, art and English) to students of all ages through the planning and implementation of the project. Since then, the school has received a grant from Lowe’s to build an outdoor classroom. Currently, the Garden works with the school to provide on-site environmental education using the Outdoor Classroom.
Decatur High School Occupational Degree Program
This program began in 2006, giving students enrolled in Decatur High’s Exceptional Student Services an opportunity to work at the Garden twice a week during school hours. Students use this time to construct worm bins and rain barrels as well as to work in the garden and manage the worm bins. All proceeds from sales get divided among the participating students, who also sell compost worms (red wigglers) and castings, when available.