Phase VIII
Overview
Phase VIII – Outdoor Classroom
Phase VIII was a two year initiative that involved re-evaluating our recycling program using a Calgary company, Bluplanet as well as developing plans to redesign outdoor space at the north end of the school into an outdoor classroom for cross-curricular work.
The CHSD Committee completed a three month trial with Bluplanet that handles materials differently than the current Waste Management system. Bluplanet offers a no-sorting recycling service, making the process much more convenient for those discarding waste. Using Bluplanet’s system, our school increased net recycled material and decreased our overall wastestream. We collected data and presented our findings in a report to Central Office as information in its future decision making.
The CHSD Committee also took two years to plan, design, cost and implement an outdoor classroom from an area that was originally turf and cement. More space for outdoor research, creativity, and production has now been created for our student population to use. The design involves all native vegetation and natural seating. In addition, to accommodate large classes, artificial seating has also been installed.
The CHSD Committee completed a three month trial with Bluplanet that handles materials differently than the current Waste Management system. Bluplanet offers a no-sorting recycling service, making the process much more convenient for those discarding waste. Using Bluplanet’s system, our school increased net recycled material and decreased our overall wastestream. We collected data and presented our findings in a report to Central Office as information in its future decision making.
The CHSD Committee also took two years to plan, design, cost and implement an outdoor classroom from an area that was originally turf and cement. More space for outdoor research, creativity, and production has now been created for our student population to use. The design involves all native vegetation and natural seating. In addition, to accommodate large classes, artificial seating has also been installed.
Before |
After |
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Timeline
Garden
September 2013- February 2014
Site planning, and fundraising $28,000
June 2014
Raised $5000 by June 2014 – enough to begin land preparation (uplift asphalt, roto-till, add nutrient rich material) – project will move into next school year
Sept 2014
excavation of sod and cement; removal of fence; installation of new fence; installation of eavestrough
October 2014
May 2015 fundraising; mulch and compost delivered
May 2015
Cement pathways; boulders; tree planting; shrubs and understory planted; watered every two days
June 2015
More mulch delivered; crushed rock placed around boulders; cement benches placed; water barrel three bin system installed
August 2015
Two final benches made from composite plastic and metal made and installed
Site planning, and fundraising $28,000
June 2014
Raised $5000 by June 2014 – enough to begin land preparation (uplift asphalt, roto-till, add nutrient rich material) – project will move into next school year
Sept 2014
excavation of sod and cement; removal of fence; installation of new fence; installation of eavestrough
October 2014
May 2015 fundraising; mulch and compost delivered
May 2015
Cement pathways; boulders; tree planting; shrubs and understory planted; watered every two days
June 2015
More mulch delivered; crushed rock placed around boulders; cement benches placed; water barrel three bin system installed
August 2015
Two final benches made from composite plastic and metal made and installed
Recycling
September – January
(no cost) Planning and implementation
Worked with BluPlanet Recycling; included everything; three month free trial; increased diversion of waste to landfill; data sent to Central Office to question our current contract with Waste Management. Results posted as a pdf in the left margin.
Cost:
Free Trial
(no cost) Planning and implementation
Worked with BluPlanet Recycling; included everything; three month free trial; increased diversion of waste to landfill; data sent to Central Office to question our current contract with Waste Management. Results posted as a pdf in the left margin.
Cost:
Free Trial
Team
Sustainable Development Committee Members
2013 – 2014 Bria Allen Melissa Berube Erin Bigger Evan Boerchers Claire Clarkson Rhett Devlin Noah Cline Ashley DeSantis Eli Fischbuch Chloe Kempin Scot Lane |
Sam Mathews
Sophie Nicholson Jessica Pumilia Emilie Roth Graham Rowe Alex Singeris Taylor Chace Leah Polson Georgia Pourbaix Megan Puzey Kurtis Rabel Anthony-Pierre Turgeon Alysha Marchand |
Donations Table
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Platinum $5000+ |
TransCanada Cochrane High School TransAlta |
Gold $1000-4999 |
Stephanie Bennett Cochrane High School Grad 2014 Committee Chace Family CEAC (Cochrane Environmental Action Committeee) Totem Charitable Foundation Lafarge Canada |
Silver $500-999 |
Nan Boothby Memorial Library |
Bronze $1-499 |
Dixie Kossowan Edith Henneberg |
In Kind |
Prattco Exacavating Ltd. Delcor Construction Rockyview Grounds Maintenance Bowpoint Nursery |