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Wetlands Classroom
New Greenhouse Developments
In 2000, the partnership between Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet School and the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee was advanced with the creation of a native plant greenhouse and nursery. After several years of Mabel Hoggard students growing plants that were planted along the Las Vegas Wash, the program ended because of a lack of funding. Thanks to a grant from Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the program has been revived.
Through this program, fifth grade students at Mabel Hoggard will be able to learn about native plants and propagation and ecological restoration techniques (specific to the Wash) through hands-on experience. Students will have an opportunity to help grow, monitor and care for plants in the greenhouse and nursery. Once the plants have reached desired sizes, they will be used for revegetation projects along the Wash.
To begin their quest, in late February, Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE) fifth-grade students braved the cold and traveled to the University of Nevada, Reno’s Cooperative Extension orchard in North Las Vegas to fill more than 100 containers with soil. Armed with shovels, gloves, and goodwill, the students worked to fill the containers in minimal time. Once filled and loaded into a truck, students traveled to the Wash to collect arrowweed cuttings under supervision of Project Team staff and GATE instructors.
Back at Mabel Hoggard, students were responsible for unloading containers of soil and cuttings. Once in the greenhouse, students became horticulturalists. Placing cuttings in each container and watering and nurturing each cutting, students displayed their commitment, guaranteeing success of each potted plant. Along with watering and nurturing, students will also monitor the plants for insect problems, thin out plants, adjust watering schedules and transplant the plants into larger containers. Although Project Team staff will be monitoring the program closely, the students will take a lead on this project.
We expect a full crop of native plants to use for the next planting event. As in years past, Mabel Hoggard students continue to be a major component in enhancing and restoring riparian and wetland habitat in the Wash.