Growing a Greener Future at Rotherglen
This spring, Rotherglen students took part in an exciting environmental initiative: the creation of our very own Miyawaki Pocket Forest. Made possible through a National Geographic Grant and developed in partnership with OakvilleGreen Conservation Association, this project transformed a shared vision of environmental stewardship into meaningful action.
Over several weeks, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences that connected directly to our science curriculum and deepened their understanding of local ecosystems. Grade 7 students worked alongside OakvilleGreen staff to conduct biodiversity scans, identify and remove invasive common buckthorn, and prepare the planting site. Through these experiences, students explored the importance of biodiversity, learned about the impacts of invasive species, and investigated how healthy ecosystems support both wildlife and our broader community.
The Miyawaki method uses a diverse mix of native trees and shrubs planted closely together to encourage rapid growth and create resilient ecosystems. On planting day, more than 500 students from Casa to Grade 7 came together to plant 183 native trees and shrubs, creating a thriving habitat that will support pollinators, improve air quality, and serve as a living classroom for years to come.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Pocket Forest project fostered a strong sense of collaboration and community. Students experienced firsthand how collective action can create lasting change and discovered that even small steps can have a meaningful impact on the world around them.
We are deeply grateful to OakvilleGreen Conservation Association for their expertise, guidance, and ongoing support throughout this project, and to National Geographic for providing the funding that made this initiative possible. Under the stewardship of Ms. Sami, Head of Science, our Pocket Forest will continue to grow as a living classroom, inspiring curiosity, deepening students’ connection to nature, and cultivating environmental stewardship for generations of Rotherglen learners.
