Herington USD 487 Master Plan & Community Garden by Garric Baker

Herington USD 487 Master Plan & Community Garden A Collaborative Project with: Herington School District USD 487 Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program Class of 2014-2015 Westar Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Team Kansas Trails Council

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Someone is sitting in the shade today, because someone planted a tree a long time ago.â&#x20AC;? - Warren Buffet

Thank you to the Herington School District for allowing us the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the inspiring community of Herington. We hope that the gardens, trails, and nature park will carry leadership skills forward throughout the generations to come. -The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Class of 2014-2015

The Leadership Class of 2014-2015 is currently working with Herington Schools and Westar Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Team to develop a master plan of the Herington garden and trail area. The Green Team is a group of employees and retirees from Wester that help fulfill environmental projects across Kansas. Once completed, Herington Schools will be able to continue to build out the garden and trail area, that offers the opportunity for a variety of community members to volunteer and develop leadership skills. They will celebrate a grand opening at our Growing a Community of Leaders class project. Table of Contents // Master Plan Overview // Phase I: Community Garden // Phase II: Educational Garden // Phase III: Nature Trails // Phase IV: Nature Park // Additional Resources

// Table of Contents

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Community Garden Educational Garden Site of FFA Test Plots Existing & New Nature Trails Future Site of Nature Park

// Master Plan Overview The master plan for the Herington School District 487 includes several aspects. The plan will allow administrators, board members, and faculty to move forward in the future with the implementation of each of the individual projects. The initial phase will include the installation of a large community garden as well as reclaiming a small garden to the north of the campus for educational purposes. Following the construction of the gardens, nature trails will wind through the trees that line the west of the property. Navigating trees, prairie grasses, creek banks, and rocky terrain, the trails will connect the north educational garden with the community garden. Test plots will be grown by FFA members to gain knowledge of the agricultural field and experiment with seed types, fertilizers, and much more. The final piece to conclude the development of the site would include a nature park. Yet to be designed, the nature park will stand as an outdoor classroom sharing lessons of the Kansas prairies, wildlife, and climates.

// Master Plan Overview

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// Phase I: Community Garden A community garden, 200â&#x20AC;&#x2122; in diameter, sits at the southeast corner of the Herington School District property. The land was donated in hopes of finding a way of giving back to the community.

// Phase I: Community Garden

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// Phase I: Community Garden The community garden fits within a 200â&#x20AC;&#x2122; diamter circle complete with a water well, storage water tank, numerous plots, and shade structures. Radial paths stem outward from the center of the circle, allowing for easy routes of access. Community members tending to the garden may move freely throughout on these pathways. An elevated storage tank allows for community members to readily access a water supply that can be easily transfered throughout the radial pattern. The storage tank keeps water available without the need to operate the well pump. Authorized personnel or students will be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the storage tank is filled to capacity during months requiring tenants to water their plants and produce. Elevated flower beds divide each section making wayfinding easier when attempting to navigate the community garden. Within these raised flower beds are native prairie flowers and grasses adding a low maintenance feature to the garden. These native plants will give the garden aesthetic appeal as well as attracting butterflies, insects, bees, and hummingbirds.

// Phase I: Community Garden

Shade structures will decrease the amount of harsh summer sunlight that may affect the growth of some produce. Shade will also allow for a more comfortable environment for community members visiting the gardens. Students will be able to raise produce within the garden and provide it to the cafeteria for use within school lunches or sell it during a farmers market to help raise funds for student groups. Groups such as FFA can grow crops, FBLA can sell the produce, and FCCLA may prepare meals with the fruits and vegetables grown allowing the resource to be used by several youth groups in a beneficial manner. A final piece to the community garden may include a small structure for the students to operate a farmers market The image to the left shows a small stand sided with materials as simple as wood pallets. The design and feasibility has yet to be evaluated and determined, but stands as a viable source of revenue for the students.

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// Phase I: Community Garden // Suggested Vegetation Plant life and vegetation is a vital aspect of the community garden used to attract wildlife and insects. The following list suggest plant species that encourage the presence of these organisms that increase pollination and growth within the garden.

// Phase I: Community Garden // Suggested Vegetation

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Butterfly Milkweed While the Butterfly Milkweed is used to attract butterflies and insects. While it does not transplant well, it will grow easily from seed; making it a likely candidate for the community garden. It flowers during June, July, and August. Requirements: Butterfly Milkweed plants prefer dry, rocky soils commonly found in praries. It is a common plant found in the eastern portion of Kansas. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Butterfly Milkweed.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Butterfly Milkweed. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=2>.

Black-sampson The Black-sampson plant is commonly found in Kansas prairies. It’s deep roots allow it to endure periods of drought. It grows anywhere from six to twenty-four inches. The flowers bloom between Jun and July. Requirements: The Black-sampson plant thrives in dry, rocky soils. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Butterfly Milkweed.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Butterfly Milkweed. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=2>.

Cardinal Flower The Cardinal Flower can be found throughout the state of Kansas. This particular plant can grow to one to five feet tall with bright red flowers. This particular species blooms between July and August. Requirements: The Cardinal flower prefers wet sites or marshy areas. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Cardinal Flower.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Cardinal Flower. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=71>.

Yucca The Yucca plant blooms between May and June. It grows to an average height of three to six feet tall. It is generally found in western Kansas. Its roots grow to thirty feet horizontally making it a lesser candidate for the community garden as it would consume moisture from other plants but could be used to attract hummingbirds. Requirements: The Yucca plant prefers dry, rocky soils. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Yucca.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Yucca. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=107>.

Blazing Star The blazing star, used to attract butterflies, blooms between August and September. It can grow to a height of two and a half feet tall. It is commonly found in the Konza Prairie region of Kansas. Requirements: The Blazing Star requires dry, sandy soils and upland prairies. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Dotted Gayfeather.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Dotted Gayfeather. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=61>.

Black-eyed Susan The Black-eyed Susan, commonly found in areas occupied by the Konza Prairie, blooms during May, June, July, August, and even September. It is an ideal plant for attracting butterflies Requirements: Black-eyed Susans can be grown easily in prairies and mainly in eastern Kansas. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Black-eyed Susan.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Black-eyed Susan. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=180>.

Prairie Onion July, August, and September are ideal months for the Prairie Onion to bloom. This particular species can grow to nearly two feet in height and is commonly found in eastern Kansas. Requirements: Prairie Onions prefer dry prairies and rocky soils. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Pink Wild Onion.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Pink Wild Onion. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=98>.

Pitcher Sage Pitcher Sage blooms during July, August, September, and October. It is commonly found in eastern Kansas prairies. It can grow to a height of two to five feet. Requirements: Dry, rocky soils, prairies, and pastures make up the habitat in which these plants are most comfortable. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Blue Sage.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Blue Sage. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=198>.

// Phase I: Community Garden // Suggested Vegetation

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Hairy Vetch Hairy Vetch flowers during May, June, July, and August. It can grow to a height of three feet tall. It is at home in the Konza Prairie and eastern portion of Kansas. It also does well in drought conditions. Requirements: Sandy conditions serve the Hairy Vetch plant well. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Hairy Vetch.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Hairy Vetch. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=191>.

Birds-foot Trefoil Birds-foot Trefoil, a perennial, blooms in May, June, July, August, and September. This particular flowering plant can grow to a height of two feet. This legume can withstand drought conditions. Requirements: Birds-foot Trefoil grows in the eastern portion of Kansas and would be an ideal candidate for the community garden. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Birds-foot Trefoil.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Birds-foot Trefoil. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=11>.

Golden Alexander May and June make up the months in which the Golden Alexander flowers. Reaching a maximum of three feet in height, the Golden Alexander plant inhabits the eastern portion of Kansas. Requirements: Golden Alexanders prefer moist, to wet habitats. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Golden Alexanders.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Golden Alexanders. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=150>.

Sunflower Sunflowers can grow anywhere from two to twelve feet tall. They bloom during July, August, and September. This hardy plant can be found throughout the state of Kansas. Requirements: Sunflowers prefer open, moist, lowland areas. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Common Sunflower.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Common Sunflower. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=346>.

Purple Prairie-Clover The Purple Prarie-Clover can grow to a height of three feet tall and is found at home on the Konza Prairie. It will flower during June, July and August. Requirements: Suitable conditions include rocky prairies and hillsides, roadsides, and generally throughout the state of Kansas. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Purple Prairie-Clover.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Purple Prairie-Clover. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=86>.

Tansy Aster June, July, and August are the months that the Tansy Aster typically blooms. It can grow to a height of approximately 18 inches. It occupies the western third of Kansas but could also inhabit the community garden. Requirements: Sandy soils make up the typical habitat for Tansy Asters. Haddock, Mike. “Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Tansy Aster.” Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses - Tansy Aster. Kansas State University Libraries, n.d. Web. 08 Feb. 2015. <http://www.kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=63>.

// Phase I: Community Garden // Suggested Vegetation

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// Phase II:Educational Garden The educational garden refers to the small garden located to the north of the school campus. This garden is intended to teach Heringtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth from a very early age the concept of gardening, agriculture, and wildlife. The middle school and high school students will help tend the garden with the elementary students to increase collaboration, team work, and to increase the opportunity for the older students to exhibit leadership skills.

// Phase II: Educational Garden

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// Phase II: Educational Garden The Educational Garden will partner high school and middle school students with elementary students to cultivate collaborative endeavors, leadership skills, communication skills, friendships, as well as produce. The garden is a small, raised plot. Wood framing raises the plot which will be surrounded by butterfly houses, bird houses, and other attractants for wildlife and insects. The students will be responsible for the upkeep of the garden and as a result will be able to see the outcome of their hard work, dedication, and collaboration with one another as well as the upper classmen. Small in size and undertaking for implementation, the results will provide abundant knowledge, produce, and skills. Students will have the resource of an outdoor classroom and gain hands-on opportunity to help them understand nature, wildlife, agriculture, leadership, communication, and collaboration.

// Phase II: Educational Garden

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Quigley, David. Trail on the Edge. Digital image. Flickr. N.p., 10 May 2009. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. Creative Commons <https://www.flickr.com/photos/power_on/3520764504/in/photolist-psVjVy-r2Wd5n-88ewPf-8go5g8-9eg6jb-9eg6em-9fdFhd-9qZyjv-9qZyvK-9qZyQX-9r3xuh-9r3xmG-9qZymF-9dLWxy-9dv4mx-9r3xzNbDacan-7yp7Mm-9dHT3P-71WN9y-eyNUQ-6n7QCh-e1VVCy>. Edited by Garric Baker

// Phase III: Nature Trails WIth the assistance of the Kansas Trail Council, nature trails will be implemented as Phase III of the master plan and development of the Herington USD 487 campus.

// Phase III: Nature Trails

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// Phase III: Nature Trails WIth the assistance of the Kansas Trail Council, nature trails will be implemented as Phase III of the master plan and development of the Herington USD 487 campus. The trail will provide hiking and exercise opportunities for students, faculty, and community members. The trails will traverse creek banks, tree lines, and prairie grasses winding from north to south along the western edge of the property.

Trees, plants, and other natural vegetation will create learning experinces that students may see first-hand as they walk the trails during classes. Bird houses, bat boxes, butterfly houses, and duck boxes may be installed along the trails to allow for wildlife and insect viewing. Students may work on entemology projects capturing insects just outside their classrom along the trails. The stream may provide an aspect of

water conservation education. The creek will serve as a water supply for several types of wildlife. All of the items listed above, as well as many more will allow the students several opportunities to learn about the environment around them and will be a valuable resource for the community as well as the school.

Cindyt7070. KS Konza Prairie. Digital image. Flickr. N.p., 19 July 2008. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. Used with Creative Common License <https://www.flickr.com/photos/cindy-t/2691982520/in/photolist-4y8tDN-4y8sQy-4y4dpg-4y4dG6-4y8o1o-4y4cWR-4y4eo8-4y4eNK-4y8rUd-4y4axn-4y8pGb-6WbAEV-56T8ud-56NWp2-56T7BJ-9XzFHaYSefM-7LthQi-oqUZE7-8btu5g-6WbAH8-33yaDF-bYTmdG-ddcnWs-aLZkfv-cuWsfC-cuWTAC-KVxxy-8mhfiz-bUm8AY-bW1P6L-cZoY6-c3nwaq-bXGCs9-c7hAeq-4y8r7y-bXHi5u-88e5yf-88e7YWcuGhpA-aHUxeR-9XfX3-9XfU2-dhm5Ro-9XfS5-aUqgLT-aMkpd2-aZG8oF-cuXdHs-bXHfhY>. Edjted by Garric Baker on 25 February 2015

// Phase III: Nature Trails

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// Greenhouse

Flower Greenhouse. Digital image. Flickr. United Soybean Board, 27 Oct. 2006. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. Creative Commons <https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedsoybean/9622287451/in/photolist-7aCYaz-TtKkC-pZB6av-b6PeTv-bRA2yR-4G3gJmbE9Bpc-jnfFg-7Zx6aA-4xmjof-6v62Ka-5q1N4C-y2XJP-7Fxjfg-4gyefj-6csnwo-51fRaz-7eqR1q-fEhJPM-5op12W-6v626e6v62AV-59HmnJ-aitEjo-nkGF67-4DcdeK-L8cKt-6v62tZ-4cpmfF-nWjgvd-6v62mR-G8zpD-6v62eH-fBLCm6-6TL2T1-m31CqtnnSm9e-8gHeMv-86NegM-bgGjek-eLNex-21Cef-bixBfP-f9E85C-7ahXXZ-aAdRRm-7NZBHf-7NVC8e-7NVBLB-7NVBtr>. Edited by Garric Baker

A greenhouse has been slated as a future addition to the master plan. Students will be able to cultivate plants indoors prior to favorable conditions in the garden. This addition would extend the growing period or even allow it to operate year-round.

// Phase IV: Nature Park Phase IV will see the implementation of a nature park to be used as an outdoor classroom. The park design and scope has yet to be determined but the inclusion of this phase will allow for future planning efforts to be accounted for in the master plan of the development of the site.

// Additional Resources // FFA Test Plots

// Compost Site

// Tree Planting

The flat site south of the parking lot will be plowed, cultivated, and planted as the future site of FFA test plots. FFA students will be able to plant agricultural products.

A composting site will allow organic matter, clippings from mowing the football and baseball fields, and waste left behind by harvested plants to be transformed into beneficial fertilizer for the gardens as well as the FFA test plots.

Westar Engergyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Team has agreed to donate up to 50 trees. The Herington school system is given the opporunity to determine what trees are donated and where they are to be planted.

This resource will allow students the opprotunity to learn and research different planting methods, chemical combinations and their effects, as well as testing soil types, watching weather patterns and climate changes and their outcomes on crop yeilds.

The composting site will not be implemented within the initial phases of the master plan, but an outline of its inclusion within the larger concept allows for future planning of its implementation.

The flat site lends itself to be subdivided as necessary for the number of students and the number of experiments. This resource will be one that not many studnets have on the high school level and will prove to be a great asset to the school campus.

// Phase IV: Nature Park // Additional Resources

If tree selections are not made, the Green Team wil choose which trees to donate and where they will be most beneficial. It is aniticpated that the students will be able to plant the trees on the Earth Day Festival held on April 22, 2015 giving the students a sense of ownership and inclusion in their school campus. Students will be able to return years from now to be able to see the trees that they themselves had planted several years ago.

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// Contributors // Flint Hills Regional Leadership CLass of 2014-2015

Garric Baker Gulten Celebi Tim Foster Michelle Geering Robert Isaac Susan Jagerson Caite Kendrick Melissa Kinney Kevin Lull Daniel McCallister James McGuire Antonio McKever Justin Minchow John Pagen Kelley Paskow Carlos Rodriguez Brad Simonsson Ronald Stewart Sponsor: Aileen Cray

// Business & Organization Partners

City of Herington Dickinson County Conservation Department Fort Riley Environmental Herington Schools, USD 487 Herington School Board Herington Chamber of Commerce GTM Sportswear Kansas Trails Council Westar Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Team

// Student Groups

Future Farmers of America| FFA Future Business Leaders of America | FBLA Family, Career and Community Leaders of America | FCCLA

// Herington School District John Thissen Brandi Hendrix Donna Ferguson Diane Floyd Mark Hager Megan Mein Mark Salada Robyn Hatfield Lisa Beye Ben Meyer

// Herington Chamber of Commerce Wendy Jones

// City of Herington

Ron Strickland

// Contributors

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