Native Gardens at Schools

In a Nutshell

Native landscaping is the intentional growing of indigenous plants in their native habitats. Using native plants in landscaping at schools decreases the need for fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation. In addition, native plants offer habitat and food sources for native wildlife such as insects, birds, and more.

Practical Solution

The “How To”The “How To”

Outdoor learning can be beneficial for student mental health and academic performance. Green Trails Elementary established a native pollinator garden, and when they doubled their recess time outside, they experienced an overall decrease in office referrals by almost 19%. At W. W. Keysor Elementary, native plantings that cover half of their campus greenspace have resulted in a recorded increase in animal and insect species. Other schools that have native gardens include The College School, St. Louis University High School, Raintree School, Herculaneum High School, Southern Boone Elementary, Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Brentwood Middle School, St. Paul’s Lutheran ECC, Crossroads College Prep, and Nerinx Hall High School.

For more information and recommendations related to native landscaping, see the Native Landscaping Tool. 

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