RICHLAND, Wash. – A group of fourth grade students gathered at Leslie Groves Park this afternoon with seeds and shovels in hand. They participated in the Leslie Groves North Native Plant and Habitat Restoration Project.
Debbie Berkowitz has been organizing this project for 20 years. She has witnessed the transformation of the once barren field into a thriving community hub. “The neighbor’s native plant society and Audubon took this to city council once they decided not to allow condos here and suggested that we make this a natural area. And if they did that, we would start a restoration project here,” Berkowitz said. “Little did I know how long and how complicated that would be. But, you know, here we are 20 years later.”
After clearing out weeds, Berkowitz and others prepared the field for planting. It has now become a tradition and a learning opportunity for local elementary school students.
Lindsay Gailey, a fourth grade teacher at Wiley Elementary School, has been bringing her students to the park for eight years.
Students enjoyed a day outside with classmates and family members, learning about the planting process.
They harvested seeds, planted them and replanted them in the designated area once ready. “The culmination of the project happens today for them, because we now take their plants and put them in the natural area,” Berkowitz said.
Another planting event is scheduled for November 15. It is open to any children who want to plant roots in the Tri-Cities.
