R.I. Baker receives funding for Tree Planting Initiative

Sunny South News Photo Submitted. TREE PLANTING: Students of R.I. Baker Middle School were able to plant a number of environment-enhancing trees at the front of the school this month.

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

On April 11, R.I. Baker Middle School in Coaldale was presented with a $1,000 ‘Green Up’ grant to help enhance the school’s appearance and teach students about environmental stewardship. 

With support from local arborist, Grant Collings of Grant’s Plants, and Fortis AB, the environmental initiative saw R.I. Baker add a number of new trees and greenery to the front of the school. Providing environmental and aesthetic enhancements as a result. 

As a means to engage with students on issues related to the natural environment, the school will utilize the funding to encourage continued environmental stewardship while enhancing the natural beauty of the area surrounding the school. 

According to Palliser School Division, “the trees will be a nice addition to the Indigenous Garden Project that began a few years ago.” 

Teacher Julie Macklin explained, “The Indigenous Garden Project was spearheaded by a previous staff member at R.I.Baker in 2020, and I was given the opportunity to take this over in 2022.  I run an Indigenous Garden Club that has students from all grades meet in the Fall and Spring to maintain and plant in and around the garden beds. In 2022 I applied for a grant from LSF, (Learning for Sustainable Futures), to acquire new plants for the garden beds; wild bergamont, sage, and sweetgrass, as well as the first couple trees planted close by.” 

Macklin who teaches grade 6, added that grade 6 science has a Trees and Forests unit in its curriculum. “I have been able to work in the garden not only with the Indigenous Garden Club students, but also as part of all grade 6 students’ learning in science.  Earlier this year I applied for the ‘Green Up Grant’ offered by Fortis AB, and receiving this allowed us to purchase new trees, tools, and eventually more plants and materials for the garden beds.”

Macklin said the project has also received community support beyond LSF and Fortis AB. A presentation facilitated by Macklin and Lethbridge County included specialists from Alberta Bats, Nathan Mistaken Chief and Jaret Panther Bone from the Blood Tribe Lands Management, and certified arborist Grant Collings. Collings, will be assisting in tree-planting, and teach students and staff about how to care for the trees as well as how drought his knowledge of caring for them with staff and students, especially as the region faces potential drought conditions. 

Superintendent of Palliser School Division, Dave Driscoll said, “We’re really happy to see new trees on the school grounds and are grateful for the support from Fortis Alberta and the community.  It’s our hope that these trees will create lasting memories for the students who helped plant them.  Maybe one day, they’ll even share stories about these trees with their own kids, should they attend R.I. Baker too.” 

“R.I. Baker feels it is especially important that during these times where our region is facing yearly droughts, wildfires, and environmental concerns, that our students are prepared to tackle these challenges head on as they grow into environmentally conscious citizens. Our students are learning the benefits that trees and plants provide us in terms of preventing erosion, retaining moisture, and providing shade; helping mitigate ever increasing temperatures. It is our hope that R.I.Baker will continue to create opportunities for students to have access to hands-on learning while prioritizing our land and environment,” Macklin told Sunny South News. 

With another presentation scheduled for June, R.I. Baker will continue to work locally with collaborators to ensure grade 6 students have access to experts, and ensure the land stewards of tomorrow have a solid understanding of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge of the land.