Mother Nature was gracious this week, as students on the shared campus of Emily Dickinson Elementary and Explorer Community School literally “dug in” to their second annual wetlands restoration project.

Under blue skies, more than 500 children in grades K-6 took turns clearing invasive plants and replanting native species in the 1.45 acres of wetland/woodland property adjacent to the campus on Union Hill.

“For some, this is the first time they’ve ever put on garden gloves or used a trowel,” noted fourth grade teacher Linda Kisch.

Parent volunteer Laura Kleppe, who is a Washington State University Master Gardener, agreed, “Some kids live in apartments or some in large homes where they have yard help. It’s really important for this generation to get involved. When they are part of the process, it creates pride. They want to protect the environment.”

Mink, fox and cattle were raised on the property long before it was sold to the Lake Washington School District. About 15 years ago, two trails were built so the property could be used as an outdoor classroom, but the area fell into neglect.

Last year, Kleppe organized an outdoor work week in honor of Earth Day. The Dickinson/Explorer students loved it so much that teachers and parents wanted to do it again. Moms and dads showed up with tools and the PTA funded purchases of native plants from the King County Conservation District.

It goes without saying that the children enjoyed getting out into the fresh air and sunshine. But the project was more than busy work.

“We’ve talked about the ecosystem and the watershed, how to be conscientious of ownership of the environment. We’ve talked about pesticides and herbicides and how they affect the water supply,” Kleppe explained.

In the future, Kleppe hopes teachers and parents will install signage identifying plants, as well as seating for environmental classes.

Already, children have released salmon in the nearby stream and have seen and heard evidence of frogs, salamanders, blue herons, ducks, hummingbirds and woodpeckers. This is the kind of science learning that you just can’t get from a book.

Kleppe concluded, “Our goal is to create enough momentum to keep this going.”

Community members can help, too. On the morning of Saturday, April 11, members of Cub Scout Pack 546 and their families will work to clear a new path through the wetlands and woodlands near Dickinson/Explorer and will weed, haul debris and plant new plants. Any Scouts who would like to assist should contact Holly White at hollyLwhite@hotmail.com.