Last Earth Day 2022, students planted native trees and shrubs around the Huy ch q'u Welcome Figure along Rainbow Road, with help from Indigenous Education Principal Shannon Johnston, Michael Nickels from Seven Ravens Permaculture, and parent volunteers like Spence Pentland. Funding was provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and Al's Falafels (located across the street) provided free French fries to all the students as a reward for digging and planting. It was so fun.
Then, in Autumn 2022, Michael Nickels installed a circle of cedar benches for a gathering space. A new family to the Island gave a Sunday morning to removing weeds. And, UVic Student Maya Irwin further developed the Native Plant Garden design.
Meanwhile, we met with the Steeqy'e Learning Society and visited other Native Plant Gardens in the region, including the Gardens at HCP, the new SMONECTEN campground, and the most inspirational Mayne Island Conservancy's Ethnobotany Garden.
In March, 2023, funding was awarded by the Salt Spring Foundation to further this project with Earth Day events and connections with the Thu-it Exhibit.
We're excited to organize April 16th gathering and work-party to advance the project and a Thursday, April 20th events for the SSE classes and GISS students Earth Club.
See you then!