YardScaping Research at Longfellow

The 5th graders are hard at work trying out yard care equipment, aerating, topdressing, overseeding, planting, mulching, and other gardening practices. After several years of construction around the school, the soil in the lawn test plot is compact and low in organic matter, so several research groups studied the soil to figure out which equipment and practices to use to improve groundcover growth. Other groups worked on removing litter, dead plants, and clearing a storm drain in the rain garden before adding new plants and mulch to stabilize the soil.

They also had a special visit from the City’s Sustainability Office to learn more about the land care ordinance with what can and can’t be used to help protect the City’s soils, streams, plants, and wildlife.

This amazing unit is funded by the City of Portland through the Greener Neighborhoods Cleaner Streams program and taught by the Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District.