April 21, 2003

SECRET GARDEN: STUDENTS HELP CREATE
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM FOR NATURE STUDIES

Charlotte, NC – Students at Charlotte’s Cochrane Middle School are learning about the great outdoors – by spending time in the great outdoors.  The students are helping to create an OUTDOOR CLASSROOM, complete with gardens, bird feeders, butterfly farm, compost bins, rain barrels, student seating and more.  The outdoor classroom is being developed in a courtyard at Cochrane Middle School, a math, science and environmental studies magnet.

The outdoor classroom is a joint project of Mecklenburg County Soil & Water Conservation District, Park and Recreation Department’s horticulture team, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. 

Through the end of the school year, Opal Baker’s sixth grade science students will be getting their hands dirty planting the garden. They’re installing native plants, bird feeders and more to transform the courtyard into an environment conducive to learning about the wonders of nature.  Students at Cochrane Middle School have dubbed the outdoor classroom the “Secret Garden,” and music students are writing a tune for it. Members of the school’s Eco-club will help maintain the classroom during the summer months.
 
The project has also received financial assistance and donations from the N.C. Foundation for Soil & Water Districts, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and Lowe’s.

The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District is a local organization working with residents, agencies, and business owners to plan and direct programs for the conservation and development of natural resources. For more information on the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District, check the Web site www.mecklenburgconservation.com or call 704-336-2455.