Mallard Ducklings at Whittier
Spring 2020; Our Whittier students discovered a nest with eggs in it nestled into the pollinator garden. Each day, students monitored and kept count of the eggs. Then, to our delight, we went out for recess one day and found the mama Mallard duck with her newly hatched ducklings.
Mallard Ducklings at Whittier
Spring 2020; Our Whittier students discovered a nest with eggs in it nestled into the pollinator garden. Each day, students monitored and kept count of the eggs. Then, to our delight, we went out for recess one day and found the mama Mallard duck with her newly hatched ducklings.
Three Monarch Caterpillars feasting on milkweed
June 2021; in the most unlikely place, milkweed thrives. These milkweed plants volunteered themselves out of the steps on the 27th Street side of the school. The monarch caterpillars found them - and feasted!
Three Monarch Caterpillars feasting on milkweed
June 2021; in the most unlikely place, milkweed thrives. These milkweed plants volunteered themselves out of the steps on the 27th Street side of the school. The monarch caterpillars found them - and feasted!
Monarch Butterfly on Purple Coneflower
Monarch Butterflies find plenty of food here in the Whittier Pollinator Garden, including this purple coneflower. The coneflowers here enjoy plenty of sunlight and have a long bloom period for maximum pollinator benefit.
Monarch Butterfly on Purple Coneflower
Monarch Butterflies find plenty of food here in the Whittier Pollinator Garden, including this purple coneflower. The coneflowers here enjoy plenty of sunlight and have a long bloom period for maximum pollinator benefit.
Wild Geraniums - Sign of Spring
Wild Geraniums grace the garden each spring and are among the first flowers to bloom each May. Long after the flowers have faded, the handsome leaves to continue to grace the garden.
Wild Geraniums - Sign of Spring
Wild Geraniums grace the garden each spring and are among the first flowers to bloom each May. Long after the flowers have faded, the handsome leaves to continue to grace the garden.
Hauling Native Plants by Bicycle
At Whittier we try to be mindful of the planet in all of our efforts, including transportation. All of our plants are native MN species, purchased at local Minneapolis' nursaries and transported back to Whittier by bicycle and trailer.
Hauling Native Plants by Bicycle
At Whittier we try to be mindful of the planet in all of our efforts, including transportation. All of our plants are native MN species, purchased at local Minneapolis' nursaries and transported back to Whittier by bicycle and trailer.
Planing a Pagoda Dogwood on Arbor Day 2019
On May 11, 2019, Whittier students and families banded together to plant 29 new trees in our park. The Minneapolis Parks and Rec and Hennepin County Forestry Departments were key partners in making the event happen. Three years later, over 80% of the trees are still thriving.
Planing a Pagoda Dogwood on Arbor Day 2019
On May 11, 2019, Whittier students and families banded together to plant 29 new trees in our park. The Minneapolis Parks and Rec and Hennepin County Forestry Departments were key partners in making the event happen. Three years later, over 80% of the trees are still thriving.
Eight Spotted Forester Moth
Here is an eight spotted forester moth hanging out on a black-eyed Susan leaf.
Eight Spotted Forester Moth
Here is an eight spotted forester moth hanging out on a black-eyed Susan leaf.
Dump No Waste Drains To Lake
Whittier students learn how to protect our watershed by keeping leaves and debri away from storm drains. Each time it rains at Whittier, the drains carry the water, and all of the pollutants in the street, directly to Lake of the Isles. We can all play a role in keeping our Chain of Lakes healthy.
Dump No Waste Drains To Lake
Whittier students learn how to protect our watershed by keeping leaves and debri away from storm drains. Each time it rains at Whittier, the drains carry the water, and all of the pollutants in the street, directly to Lake of the Isles. We can all play a role in keeping our Chain of Lakes healthy.
Healthy Worms, Healthy Soil
Whittier students dig in the soil and discover worms. Earthworms increase soil aeration, infiltration, structure, nutrient cycling, water movement, and plant growth. Earthworms are also one of the major decomposers of organic matter.
Healthy Worms, Healthy Soil
Whittier students dig in the soil and discover worms. Earthworms increase soil aeration, infiltration, structure, nutrient cycling, water movement, and plant growth. Earthworms are also one of the major decomposers of organic matter.
Watering a boulevard Linden
August, 2022 Yaretzi and Ary water a a boulevard Linden that Whittier students planted four years earlier during our Arbor Day Event. Thanks to the efforts of many of these "bucket brigades", nearly all of our trees survive and thrive.
Watering a boulevard Linden
August, 2022 Yaretzi and Ary water a a boulevard Linden that Whittier students planted four years earlier during our Arbor Day Event. Thanks to the efforts of many of these "bucket brigades", nearly all of our trees survive and thrive.
Bumblebee on Culver's Root
July, 2022: A bumblebee feasts on Culver's Root, one of our new wildflower plants in the Circle Drive Rain Garden
Bumblebee on Culver's Root
July, 2022: A bumblebee feasts on Culver's Root, one of our new wildflower plants in the Circle Drive Rain Garden
Connection to nature is a vital need in every child's life. Whittier Community Education students are helping to restore harmony with nature here in our park. We've planted over 30 native Minnesota trees, created rain gardens to capture storm water, and tended native wildflowers for pollinator habtat. Enjoy some highlights from our journey!