(DALLAS, TX) March 16, 2012 – E.L. DeGolyer Elementary (DeGolyer) announced today its plans to unveil the Discovery Garden, an innovative gardenscape for its students and community to enjoy. The Discovery Garden will formally launch at the school’s annual carnival on March 31 at 4 p.m during a dedication ceremony.
The uniquely designed Discovery Garden features many educational elements including Fibonacci spirals, a labyrinth and structures that were developed to inspire learning via measuring, multiplication, division and simple counting. “The design was built around learning. Math and science concepts are intertwined throughout the garden and hands on learning is key to the design,” said Donna Marquet, DeGolyer parent and Discovery Garden designer. Marquet also notes that all of the plants are water-wise and sustained through the use of rain barrels to capture water, thus engaging students in nature preservation.
Discovery Garden development is truly a community effort with funds raised through a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant as well as donations from the DeGolyer PTA, Dad’s Club and community at-large. Five community build days were also integral to the process. “From initial planning to building execution, we had tremendous support from various DeGolyer organizations and parents, including community groups such as Boy and Girl Scout troops,” said Cathy Atkinson, DeGolyer volunteer and garden project coordinator.
The Discovery Garden will also feature plants to attract butterflies as well as vegetable and herb gardens where DeGolyer students can plant, harvest and eat the produce they grow. “We are thrilled for our students to experience all of the educational aspects the Discovery Garden has to offer and to become excited about nature through the first-hand knowledge our garden will provide. We invite all of our Dallas neighbors to attend the unveiling and witness all of the spectacular happenings on our campus,” DeGolyer principal, Dr. Alecia Cobb said.
DeGolyer is a DISD recognized campus in Northwest Dallas with a diverse student body, dedicated faculty and generous parental support.
The weather couldn’t have co-operated any better as dads, students and volunteers trekked over to school for a weekend workday. Working in temperatures in the 70 kept everyone in a good mood and skin from burning but the heat was on since there were many projects on the task list.
Gone are the giant sunflowers and summer berries to make room for vegetation more suited to fall. Dozens more of volunteers stripped the fruit and vegetable garden clean to harvest the last of the bounty. Students then planted vegetables and eagerly wait to harvest natures work and eat what they sow.
