Anne Beers Garden of Discovery

“What a wonderful way for kids to experience the difference they can make in the world,” notes Anne Beers principal Dr. Gwendolyn Payton. “How often can we help spread hope and joy through such a simple action?”

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Project Description

The planting of the Monarch Garden of Discovery at Anne Beers ES, with the support of the Monarch Sister Schools Program (MSSP), kicked off DC School Garden Week 2008 (October 6-11, 2008). Students were encouraged to venture outside, get dirty, and connect with nature by planting a schoolyard garden. The garden at Anne Beers involved the installation of a 24' x 24' butterfly-style labyrinth (see photos) and planting of some 100 milkweed and nectar plants donated by the Rotary Club of Washington, DC and District Department of the Environment (DDOE). Next spring, the plants will attract Monarchs butterflies on their journey north to Canada. Students will get to witness firsthand how the Monarch lays its eggs on milkweed and the miraculous transformation that follows from caterpillar to butterfly, repeated over the course of Spring, Summer and early Fall.

At the October 6th ceremony at Anne Beers, speakers addressing the significance of the Monarch Garden of Discovery included:

• Dr. Karami, Deputy Director of DDOE;
• Carrie Thornhill, Chair, DC STEM;
• Grace Manubay, Chair, DC Greening;
• Stephanie Harris, Science Coordinator, Anne Beers ES;
• Tom Estill, NASA, Aerospace Ed. Specialist;
• Rev. Kendrick Curry, Senior Pastor, The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church;
• Sandra Nitchie, MSSP Director of Projects; and
• William Dent, MSSP Program Director

All noted the role the Garden can play in stimulating student interest in science and nature, as well as the arts, as was aptly demonstrated by poetry readings and songs sung by the students who participated actively in the ceremony. The day ended with a symbolic walk of peace through the butterfly labyrinth.

The Garden of Discovery at Anne Beers is the first project of the Monarch Sister Schools Program, based on the belief that children, who are our future, play an active role in building a sustainable world. The staff, partners and supporters of the Program believe that learning to care for Nature (and the resulting inspiration) empowers children to become 'agents of transformation' in a world in need of their help.