The Lehigh County Conservation District installed a rain garden at Orefield Middle School ten years ago! Since then, staff and students have been utilizing the garden as an outdoor classroom, identifying local birds and beneficial insects, observing plant species and measuring plant growth, and engaging in hands-on activities that minimize non-point source pollutants that reach our local waterways.
This past week, Orefield Middle School purchased and delivered mulch to the rain garden, which is located in a courtyard. Joe Veshinfsky, Penn State Extension Educator and three Master Gardeners assisted the Conservation District in weeding and mulching the 700 square foot space. We thank our local volunteers who are able to turn this rain garden into a living laboratory where staff and students can enjoy a green space outside of the classroom, while connecting them to nature.
