TIPS
FOR WORKING WITH YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT GROUNDS STAFF
At a recent training for
Wildlife Stewards, Mark Franklin, Director of Grounds Maintenance for
Portland Public Schools outlined several points of consideration when
teachers, parents, students and Wildlife Stewards begin a schoolyard
habitat project. Though Mark represents Portland Public Schools, many
of these points of consideration apply to all school districts. It is
important to contact the grounds maintenance staff of your school before
you begin your project. Some important considerations before you begin
your habitat project are:
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Get the
approval of your principal and keep them informed of your progress.
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Submit your
plans to the school district architect to get the approval. They
will check your plans to make sure you adhere to school district
guidelines.
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Once your
plans are approved you will be given a letter of approval from the
architect.
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Have a long-term
plan for maintaining the habitat. The schools grounds staff will
not maintain the habitat. If the habitat is not maintained, you
will be asked to return the site to its original condition.
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Check to
see if the grounds maintenance staff can provide habitat materials
such as wood chips. Many school districts do and they will even
deliver the materials to your site.
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The habitat
must meet the American Disabilities Act guidelines and be accessible.
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CALL BEFORE
YOU DIG: Before you dig a hole deeper than 18 inches contact the
school district grounds staff. They will contact the utility companies
to get approval.
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Security
is a big issue. Make sure your habitat plans will not create a security
risk to the school.
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Put up a
sign at your habitat site to inform the public that this is a schoolyard
habitat project. Check with the 4-H Wildlife Stewards Office to
order a 4-H Wildlife Stewards habitat sign. |
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