Lake Park summer civics program builds native plant rain garden

Over the course of several years, the Lake Park High School Summer School “Civics in Action” program has worked to improve the appearance and environment of their school by planting different plants and flowers around the campus, converting a neglected piece of land in the courtyard of the school into a “Summer School Garden.”

It is filled with native plants to support wildlife and pollinators. These projects have helped students make a lasting impact on Lake Park while learning about both the environment and civics.

Faced with biodiversity loss, Lake Park students decided to take matters into their own hands.

Over the three-week-long course that began Monday, June 8, students have successfully introduced four new plant specimens, including yellow birch, purple flowering raspberry, snowberry, and southern blue flag iris, to a safe and protected area.

Students selected these plants by researching which plants were specifically native to DuPage County so the plants would have the best likelihood to thrive.

Before planting could begin, they had to prepare the rain garden by removing invasive species and ensuring the soil was well-suited for the plants.

After planting the natives, the students are going to regularly check on and care for the plants by removing weeds and providing water as necessary.

By increasing the number of endangered plants at East Campus and reducing invasive species, the Rain Garden project will help improve biodiversity and create an amazing habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

Students hope that with this project they will not only benefit the environment in Lake Park High School, but also spread awareness about the importance of protecting endangered plants.