The Site
Rousseau Elementary School in Lincoln was recently remodeled to accommodate more students. The construction project resulted in the creation of two courtyards that will allow more natural light and air to reach the classrooms. Although these courtyards are not very big (less than 6,000 square feet total), they were quickly targeted as great opportunities for school beautification and outdoor learning.

The Goal
Green Space Stewardship funds were secured in 1998 and plans were quickly drawn up to transform these lifeless courtyards into botanical and wildlife sanctuaries. The design concept focused on developing the space for teaching and learning opportunities. Features of the plan include:

A pond and bog area with a rock waterfall.
Benches and other seating areas.
A pathway that runs the entire length of each courtyard.
Gathering spaces so students and teachers can congregate together.
A few trees to provide shade and attract birds.
A small prairie area.
A wide mix of shrubs and herbaceous flowering plants to maximize color, create seasonal interest and attract wildlife.

The Plantings
Because the courtyards can be extremely hot in the summer, plant material choices focused on native and near-native species that can tolerate higher temperatures. Where appropriate, other plants were included for their color and benefit to wildlife.
Before the project could be implemented, much site preparation work was needed. Construction activities had left behind very poor and compacted soil with a hefty amount of rubble. The students were quickly put to work hauling out debris and then hauling in composted soil. The bucket brigade worked wonders as the courtyard soils were quickly improved to support plantings.
Thanks to a very observant parent, one final shortcoming was observed in the courtyard soils - the soil had been left so sterile from construction that no earthworms could be found. Fortunately, there were many students willing to collect worms and bring them to school. At last count, the "Wormometer" registered over 2,000 worms that had been released in the courtyards to work their soil aeration and fertility magic.
The beautifully landscaped Rousseau School courtyards are the result of a remarkable cooperation between students, teachers, parents and administrators. Now the students will reap the fruits of their labor as they venture out to get an up-close view of Mother Nature's wonders.