Robins Native Rain Garden

Thank you for documenting this Outdoor Wonder Lab #7 at Collegiate's

Robins Native Rain Garden!

Your role as a citizen scientist will help document seasonal and annual changes in this student-driven conservation effort to increase native biodiversity and address climate change.

GARDEN HISTORY

In August of 2025, Earth Society Co-President, Austyn Ennis (Class of 2026) planned and organized the installation of this hillside native rain garden to:

1) support native wildlife populations and

2) prevent run-off and erosion into the forest.

Since 2025, the native perennial garden has been maintained and expanded by volunteers with the Collegiate's environmental service organization, Earth Society.

https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_cougarrrs/

ECOLOGICAL APPROACH - "Messy on Purpose"

Native plants are allowed to remain standing over the winter months until temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, giving native insects and other arthropods essential shelter. This ecological gardening approach may look "messy," but tucked in those brown stems are resting pollinators and other beneficial invertebrates.

Additionally, native perennials (plants that grow back year after year) are used to optimize soil health and structure as their roots continue to grow and hold soil over many seasons.

By slowing the flow of water down this hill, this native garden will help filter run-off and protect vernal pools in the forest for native salamander, toad and frog populations who depend on high water quality for reproduction.