Sowing seeds

The other day students from both 9D and 9E planted seeds in their designated plot. Seeds were counted and mixed with a small amount of soil. The soil was sprinkled evenly onto the ground after having pushed aside debris and grasses. Students completed the first part of their lab report. They will now research their plant, sow seeds in class this coming winter and return to the plot in the spring to see if their seeds were successful. Come spring, all students should have small native plants that can be re-introduced onto the NPG. At this time, they will also be able to identify non-native plants that can be removed by hand. These are small patches of the prairie, but it is a start and an authentic activity for students.

The Northeast Pioneer Greenway (NPG) is former rail line which has been turned into an active transportation corridor providing connectivity to the Forks and downtown area in the south. Future greenway expansion in the north will provide an important link to East St Paul and to Birds Hill Park.
During this past summer, the City left large portions of this trail uncut to help determine the extent of remnant tall grass prairie. Much to the surprise of many residents, many tall grass prairie species are still in the area, and many sections of the trail remain as pristine examples of tall grass prairie.
Due to urbanisation and agriculture, tall grass prairie is considered to be an even more endangered ecosystem than the rain forest. Of the original 6000 square kilometres of tall grass prairie in Manitoba, over 99% is now farmland.
Munroe is working to re-naturalize a portion of this of this Greenway, returning the area to its original tall grass prairie state. In doing so, we will follow guidelines set out to develop a model Biosphere (a natural area co-existing with encroaching urban development).
There is only one Canadian Biosphere Reserve in Manitoba, located at Riding Mountain National Park (Clear Lake). We intend to model this Biosphere in the naturalisation of Munroe’s designated portion the NPG.

Notre première visite au NPG. Les élèves ont mesuré des quadrants de 50cm x 50cm. À l'intérieur ils ont compté le montant de chaque type de plante et d'insecte. Une description de chaque objet vivant a été faite. Ils ont pris des exemples et sacs pour pouvoir faire l'identification et la recherche en classe. Plusieurs types de plantes et d'insectes ont été découverts. Cette identification est à venir dans le futur.