Students in grade two and grade four from Mary Ward Catholic elementary school in Niagara Falls are looking to develop a green thumb. On October 21, School of Environment and Horticulture studies professor, Dena Gavin, donated 150 daffodil bulbs which were planted in front of the school. The choice to plant daffodils was an easy one. Aside from its beautiful colour, it offers many great benefits – it naturalizes easily and comes back year after year, it’s a pollinator and is synonymous with the first signs of spring.
Although it was break week and no classes were running, two of Gavin’s students volunteered their time to share their knowledge and expertise. Horticulture Technician program students Ciara McLean and Shubham Shubham worked with Gavin to naturalize the daffodils, dig up 15-20 holes and assist the elementary school students in planting the flowers.
Grade two and grade four students from Mary Ward elementary school planting daffodils.
For McLean, now in her second year of the Horticulture Technician Co-op program, experiences like this add value to her education. “I had an amazing time working with the students, they were so excited to get their hands in the dirt and be outside. It was great to see how much they enjoyed themselves,” said McLean. “I wish I was exposed to activities like this when I was younger because you’ll always learn something new, make new connections and make an impact on someone.”
Educating younger students on the importance of the environment is extremely important, notes Gavin. Planting the seed of knowledge at an early age opens up their mind and makes them more aware of their surroundings and how everything works together. This initiative also served as an important lesson for her college students, as she could see their happiness and pride when working with the children. “I think it’s crucial for volunteer projects to be of emotional importance as well as serving a purpose. It benefits the College and the community when we’re able to build relationships with different groups and give back in different ways.”
