Fifth grade teacher Lorienne Nickelson wanted her Bay Haven students and their families to build a sense of community by participating in a “hands on” environmental education program in collaboration with the Central Cocoanut Neighborhood Association (CCA).Embracing the project, students enthusiastically researched design landscaping to improve Hog Creek in Pioneer Park and prepared to present their plan to the city of Sarasota and CCA board.
Research involved field trips to the Celery Fields, North Lido Beach, the Carefree Learner, and Selby Gardens where students observed effective existing restorations. They incorporated their findings into a plan to restore a section of Hog Creek including a butterfly garden using Florida native plants.