Recently, Emerson Elementary School hosted a tour of their green schoolyard, guided by their enthusiastic Eagle Leadership Council. IslandWood Partnerships Manager Celina Steiger attended along with various representatives from the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Schools, and EarthGen. The event was filled with insightful moments showcasing the school’s commitment to outdoor learning and environmental stewardship.

The tour began in the front garden, a special space where students grew seedlings and created murals. This garden serves as a peaceful retreat for students, offering a place for lunch bunches, read-alouds, and group projects.

Next, the group ventured upstairs to the salmon tank, maintained by 4th and 5th-grade students. Through the Salmon in Schools program, which IslandWood works on in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities, students receive salmon eggs and learn to raise them, understanding the importance of salmon to local ecosystems and indigenous cultures. The project culminates in releasing the salmon into Lake Washington, providing hands-on environmental education.

The tour continued to the side garden, revived through the efforts of dedicated teachers and students. This space allows students to learn gardening, develop new skills, and connect with nature. One student shared, “I feel so calm when I am in nature, and I think everyone deserves the opportunity to have a garden or outdoor space at their school that they can care for and learn in.”

Celina Steiger worked with the Emerson classes on this project, incorporating stormwater education as part of their learning. This project combines art and environmental stewardship by collecting rainwater for the school’s gardens, preventing runoff, and protecting local waterways. In the coming school year, Emerson students will continue their environmental education by participating in IslandWood’s School Overnight Program.

The tour of Emerson Elementary’s green schoolyard was an inspiring journey through the eyes of the Eagle Leadership Council. These initiatives are not just about the physical changes they bring, but also about the positive effect they have on the students, the school, and the community, inspiring hope for a greener and more sustainable future.