The rejuvenated wetland surrounding Quadra Island Elementary has transformed the way students learn by turning the school’s backyard into a vibrant classroom of native flora and fauna.
Last year’s efforts converted a soggy segment of a sports field back to its original state. Nestled in the north-west corner of the schoolyard, this restored wetland serves as a vibrant outdoor classroom for students from Kindergarten to Grade Five. Many of those students were directly involved in the reclamation and planting.
Teachers can now offer lessons about the importance of ecosystems and habitats in the school’s own functioning wetland. Through this hands-on approach, students gain a deeper appreciation for conservation and the principles of environmental stewardship.
The wetland revival has involved Quadra Elementary students and the surrounding community right from the beginning.
“The community was instrumental in the care and survival of these plants,” said BCWF Wetland Technician, Kendall McLaughlin. “They helped water the plants throughout the drought periods, with even the fire department chipping in.”
Sheldon Etheridge, then a teacher at the school, spearheaded the project. The B.C. Wildlife Federation secured the necessary funding to get things started. With guidance from Miranda Cross of Rewilding Water and Earth Inc., construction began in August 2022, creating two wetland pools using heavy machinery. Planting concluded in October with Quadra Elementary school students getting their hands dirty in the process.
The We Wai Kai First Nation ensured the project met both ecological and archaeological standards. The We Wai Kai Land Guardians have been focused on eradicating invasive species and enhancing habitat values. The goals of this restoration are to foster a habitat abundant with a diversity of wildlife, create an enriching outdoor learning space, and deepen the students’ understanding of wetlands.
“The wetland radiates hope for the future,” said McLaughlin. “It is a site of learning, community building, reconciliation, and a place for Indigenous medicines to grow.”
“Everyone benefits from all the hard work the community did at keeping the plants alive during the 30-degree days last autumn and drought over the summer period,” she said. “No one expected this little school wetland to bring so many people together. As the plants continue to grow, one day they will be big enough to be resilient against hungry deer. The fence will be removed, and children can explore and discover Pacific Crabapple and Snowberry planted by a previous student at Quadra Elementary.”
In June 2023, all the partners in the project proudly marked its completion with a Grand Opening Ceremony. Students took the lead, guiding First Nations Elders, teachers, community representatives, their families, project sponsors, and BCWF staff on a tour of the wetland. They proudly exhibited the array of plants and introduced the new resident wildlife.
“The past few months leading up to today have been truly remarkable. Observing new species find a home here and witnessing the students’ excitement has been an absolute joy,” Ethridge explained at the ceremony. “The hands-on involvement of our students – from planting and designing interpretive signs to watering plants for long hours – has instilled a profound sense of ownership. It’s special to see them so connected to this project.”
BCWF staff, in collaboration with the school, hosted the second planting event at the restored wetland in October, which included students, parents, and community members. They reintroduced native plants such as sword fern (Polystichum munitum), dull Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa), kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), and thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) into the area. Consistent planting and the school’s attentive care are designed to ensure the native species flourish and to ward off invasive plants like Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium), and Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) that surround the school field.
“This is merely the beginning. I’m hopeful and excited about the prospect of more initiatives like this one in the future,” said Ethridge. “I sincerely hope other schools recognize the potential in repurposing even small corners of their grounds to develop living outdoor classrooms.”
This story, by Jamie Long (Conservation Stewardship Communications Coordinator), first appeared in the JAN/FEB 2024 issue of BC Outdoors Magazine in our member exclusive insert. Become a BCWF member today to get our news delivered directly to your mail box at bcwf.bc.ca/membership.
BCWF Watershed Team 
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