The Green Team at Washougal is transforming the school courtyard into a native habitat learning space, with the help from a local grant

With support from a local grant, students in the Washougal High School (WHS) Green Team are working to transform the school courtyard into a native habitat learning space.

The student-led group aims to earn a certification through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, a partnership between the Columbia Land Trust and Bird Alliance of Oregon.

The project is supported by a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Garden Club.

In December, the Backyard Habitat Certification Program conducted a site assessment and recommended next steps in order for the Green Team to achieve Backyard Habitat Certification status. The Green Team will use money the student club has raised, along with the Garden Club grant, to replant the courtyard with regionally appropriate native species, remove invasive plant species, and improve pollinator habitat over the next few months.

The club will also work with the district’s facilities team to reduce nighttime lighting and incorporate educational signage this winter and spring, following recommendations from the Backyard Habitat Certification Program.

The long-term plan divides the courtyard into sections so multiple student groups can participate in hands-on habitat restoration over time.

“Students have already done a lot of hands-on work to move this project forward. They removed old weed fabric, laid down cardboard and bark mulch, and planted native species in the north section of the courtyard. It’s been exciting to see their effort turn into real progress,” said Janet Franklin, co-leader of the Green Team at WHS.

“They’re learning about native ecosystems, making a difference for the environment, and helping create a space the entire school can enjoy,” said Alexandra Yost, Green Team co-leader.

Through a fall plant sale, the Green Team also earned store credit donated by Nature’s Haven, a local nursery, to support habitat restoration efforts.

Local donations and grants help the WHS Green Team turn the courtyard into a living classroom while modeling student-led environmental stewardship.