Summary of Rockdale Academy: A Hub for Community Gardens in Avondale :
The Rockdale Urban Learning Garden is a collaborative project between the Zoo and Rockdale Academy that aims to grow plants for installation both inside the Zoo and in the Avondale community. The project helps to expand tree canopies and increase pollinator habitat, aligning with the Zoo’s conservation mission and the Avondale Quality of Life Plan. Recently, Rockdale staff and students participated in an Earth Day Celebration where they potted 2,000 perennial plugs in the Garden. These plants were later moved to Irving Playground and planted by various community members during National Pollinator Week. The project has also installed plants in other locations around Avondale and neighboring communities.
Summary:
– The Rockdale Academy and Cincinnati Zoo collaborate to activate green spaces in Avondale.
– The Rockdale Urban Learning Garden is a growing site for plants to be installed in the Zoo and the community.
– The Garden has received grants for expanding pollinator habitat and has partnered with other organizations to extend its impact.
Welcome to Avondale, a vibrant community home to the Rockdale Academy and the Cincinnati Zoo. Did you know these two institutions have formed a unique partnership to activate green spaces and promote biodiversity in the area? In this article, we will explore the fascinating aspects of the Rockdale Academy and its Urban Learning Garden, as well as their collaborative efforts with the Cincinnati Zoo.
At Rockdale Academy, the staff and students have embraced the importance of environmental education and conservation. The Urban Learning Garden, located within the school grounds, serves as a thriving site for growing plants that will eventually find their place either inside the Zoo or out in the Avondale community. This collaboration between the Zoo and Rockdale Academy allows students and teachers to actively participate in initiatives that contribute to the community’s well-being.
One remarkable event at the Urban Learning Garden was the Earth Day Celebration. Rockdale staff and students, along with the Horticulture team and corporate volunteers, gathered to pot nearly 2,000 perennial plugs. Thanks to a generous grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation, the focus of this project was to expand pollinator habitat, an essential element in supporting local wildlife. Can you imagine the impact this will have on the ecosystem surrounding Avondale?
The efforts of the Earth Day Celebration did not stop there. After several months of nurturing the perennials in the Garden’s Quonset huts, they were ready to find new homes. Irving Playground, a nearby recreational space predominantly utilized by residents of the White Oak Townhomes, was chosen as the planting site. Here, Zoo staff, board members, Groundwork staff, and community members assembled during National Pollinator Week to carefully plant the perennials. These newly established plants will not only beautify the playground but also provide a welcoming habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
However, the impact of the Rockdale Urban Learning Garden expands beyond Irving Playground. The plants grown in this Garden have found new homes in various locations throughout Avondale and neighboring communities. For instance, the Northern Larona Community Garden, the Beldare Vine pocket park, and the new Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden parking areas on Erkenbrecher Ave have all benefited from the Urban Learning Garden’s efforts. Schools like John P. Parker School, Shroder High School in Madisonville, Rees E. Price Academy in East Price Hill, and Bond Hill Academy in Bond Hill have received plants to enhance their educational environments.
Imagine the joy these plants bring to the students and community members who witness their growth and beauty. The Rockdale Academy and Cincinnati Zoo are creating a ripple effect by not only involving their immediate surroundings but also extending their influence to neighboring communities. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of working together towards a common goal – to create a greener, more sustainable environment for all.
The dedication and passion displayed by the Rockdale Academy staff, students, and the Cincinnati Zoo are truly inspiring. They have proven that by activating green spaces and promoting biodiversity, we not only enhance our own lives but also honor our commitment to a better future for Avondale.
As we conclude our exploration of the Rockdale Urban Learning Garden and its collaboration with the Cincinnati Zoo, let us reflect on the impactful work to create a more vibrant and sustainable community. It is through partnerships like these that we can make a genuine difference in the world around us.
So, the next time you visit Avondale or the Cincinnati Zoo, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful plants once nurtured in the Rockdale Urban Learning Garden. Remember that behind each plant lies a story of collaboration, education, and a commitment to a greener future. Together, we can create a world where nature thrives and communities flourish.
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