Here’s a great note to close out the year: great kids doing great work in great parks.

Students from Hyla School turned out in numbers in November and December, for stewardship projects at Moritani Preserve and Halls Hill Lookout & Labyrinth.

At Moritani, kids from both Hyla School and Winslow’s Madrona School – together about 70 strong, counting teachers and a few helpful neighbors – stepped in to round up storm debris and install more than 100 new plants, after high winds scrubbed a community work party the weekend prior.

Yarrow, ocean spray, spirea, tall Oregon grape, red elderberry, vine maple and Pacific wax myrtle and other Northwest natives went in along the preserve’s east boundary, the focus of intense restoration work for the past year or more.

The work identifying and installing native plants aligned with the Hyla life science curriculum and the students’ recent studies, teacher Shelby Mann said.

Madrona School too, while younger, also have regular engagement with the Preserve, through both service and instructional play.

“Our kindergarten comes to Moritani often for nature-based play,” teacher Catherine Roldan said. “As they get older, we work with the Park District to learn how to now care about the environment we’ve been playing in.”

The Hyla contingent was in the field again this past week, at Blakely Harbor Park and Halls Hill Lookout & Labyrinth. Students at Halls Hill regraveled the labyrinth, mulched garden beds and installed 43 new shrubs around the grounds. Once again, incredibly productive!

“It’s satisfying  because it helps nature and helps the community,” said Sawyer Nick, Hyla eighth grader. “It’s also relaxing to be in nature.”

Said Olivia Massa: “I like hanging out with my friends, and doing good stuff for the world is good. Getting involved is good.”

Not just good – GREAT work for our parks and trails! Thank you to Hyla School and Madrona School, all students and staff.