By Sophia Barnum, Michigan FFA Foundation Intern

This spring, students at Roosevelt High School will transform their campus courtyard into a living classroom thanks to a Michigan FFA Foundation Glassbrook Grant. The Rain Garden and Outdoor Education project, led by agriscience teacher and FFA advisor Jennifer Ferris, will provide hands-on learning opportunities for 130 students while creating lasting environmental impact.

Beginning in March and concluding in June, Roosevelt Botany students and FFA members will design and install a rain garden in the school’s outdoor classroom courtyard. This space, which naturally collects water after rainfall, presents the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how native plants can capture and filter runoff, reduce soil erosion and create habitat for pollinators.

Students will work alongside Master Rain Gardeners, Carol Resto and Michael Bak, to conduct percolation tests, design the garden using architectural software in collaboration with architecture students and complete installation in April and May. Educational signage will identify plants by both common and scientific names and explain the importance of rain gardens, pollinators and native species. Media students will further amplify the project by creating new stories and videos to educate the broader school community.

“The Rain Garden and Outdoor Education project will provide students with a unique learning experience combining academics, real-world application and environmental responsibility,” shared Roosevelt High School Administrator Pat Hickey.

The project builds upon the school’s existing outdoor classroom pavilion, funded through a previous state of Michigan grant, and enhances the courtyard space connected to the cafeteria and commons area. In addition, accessible gardening beds built through a student’s Eagle Scout project ensure that all learners, including special needs students, can engage in hands-on agriculture education.

“This Glassbrook Grant will allow our botany students to create an outdoor immersive experience that will educate our school and community about the importance of pollinators, native plants and environmental stewardship,” said Ferris.

Beyond construction, students will evaluate the project’s impact through surveys of staff and peers and will sustain the garden through ongoing maintenance, including summer student employment opportunities.

With a $3,000 Glassbrook Grant from the Michigan FFA Foundation, Roosevelt FFA is turning vision into action, demonstrating how agriculture education can improve communities, inspire environmental responsibility and create meaningful, real-world experiences for current and future students.

This is just one of the many stories that showcase the meaningful difference FFA makes in Michigan communities. Join us in continuing to support Michigan FFA and the future leaders it is shaping every day.

On Feb. 26, Give Michigan FFA Day, the first $26,000 in donations to Michigan FFA are doubled, dollar-for-dollar. Your support can help provide more opportunities and hands-on learning experiences for the over 10,000 Michigan FFA members.

Sign-up for Give Michigan FFA Day email or text reminders here.