NOAA Ocean Guardian School : Year Two Project

Last weekend, the 4th and 5th grade Ocean Guardian members and their families roll up their sleeves and get their hands in the soil for the culmination of this year's NOAA Watershed Project, which is part of our Ocean Guardian School status. 

What was once a space filled with weeds and a few native trees has now been transformed into a thriving habitat in the lunch courtyard, where native plants will attract hummingbirds, songbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects!

This team of students have been learning about the vital role of native plants in our watershed, how they support pollinators, improve soil health, and help manage stormwater.

We were thrilled to welcome both new and returning families.

Thank you to everyone for all your time and effort! Also to our incredible team captains, Breck Bowen, Raney Wolfers and Liz McGuyer, who oversaw different sections of the space ran an efficient, organized and quick morning, plus our very own Mr. Christopherson and Ms. Swisher who are the teachers leading this initiative. 

A special shout-out to Cat Wolfers, Project Manager from Refugia Marin, who led a hands-on tutorial about how to protect the roots while planting.

What’s Next? Mulching!

Thanks to the school district, an upgraded irrigation system has already been installed, ensuring that water goes only to the plants that need it, reducing overall water use and limiting weed growth. 

Ocean Guardians and their families will return to lay mulch, which will help retain soil moisture during hot weather and further suppress weeds.

Ambassadors are spreading the word

The learning doesn’t stop here! Our students will be presenting their work to the School District Board and to the whole school at a final presentation at an end of year assembly. Plus, we’ll be hanging a special banner in the gym to celebrate Neil Cummins Year 1 status as an Ocean Guardian School. 

Come see the beautiful new plantings during Open House! It now continues on from the lunch tables to the Hawks Garden, adding color, life, giving students a closer connection to nature. We made sure to leave enough space so students can still take their usual shortcuts! 

A Growing Legacy

This project is made possible thanks to a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), secured by Refugia Marin.

Last school year (2023–24), the grant enabled Neil Cummins to achieve Year 1 Ocean Guardian status. This year (2024–25), we’re building on that success with Year 2 and plan to apply for Years 3 and 4 to continue growing this program!