Friends of Gladstone Nature Park President Nancy Eichsteadt has teamed up with John Wetten Elementary students to restore native plants in the school’s courtyard.
Eichsteadt said that students convinced her to volunteer for the project when they asked how they could make the courtyard a better habitat for native frogs and butterflies. Before planting the natives, Eichsteadt and the students first had to dig out invasive plants that had taken over the courtyard. Principal John McAndrews and Head Custodian Kelsey Slocom both helped with the project too.
Kraxberger Middle School and Gladstone High School also partner with the Friends of Gladstone Nature Park group, including at the recent Gladstone Arbor Day & Plant Sale.
Gladstone High School students are working to beautify their campus this spring, both in the courtyard and behind the school. Earlier this school year, Eichsteadt donated five oaks for the project to restore native plants to the hillside behind GHS.