Homegrown National Park + Ecoplantia + Symbiotic Schoolyard

Homegrown National Park + Ecoplantia + Symbiotic Schoolyard
If you have any questions on this application, please contact Krista De Cooke (kdecooke@homegrownnationalpark.org). We are happy to work with you and your school to determine an appropriate location for the native plant garden. All costs surrounding this program will be fully covered by the grant.
Application for Interested Teachers
School
Location
Teachers Name
Email
example@example.com
Grade Level
Subject
Number of students
1. Why do you want to partner for this program? How might this program help you achieve your goals as a teacher?
2. As a part of this program, you agree to teach an 8 week NGSS Ecosystem Unit. It meets all 5 ecosystem standards for NGSS. Are you willing to teach this unit? Please visit Symbiotic Schoolyard to find out more about the curriculum (and get a curriculum sample, if you'd like to preview it). Tell us why you're interested in this curriculum!
3. As a part of this program, you agree to plant an Ecoplantia Roll-Out Garden with 25 perennial plants that are native to the Chattanooga Region. We will work with you to decide how many roll out gardens make sense for you based on the number of students you teach and the availability of land in your schoolyard (taking into account future years

Location receives full sun for at least 6 hours daily.A minimum area of 6x10 square feet is available for planting.Soil is workable and suitable for planting (e.g., not compacted or heavily rocky).Area drains well and does not have standing water after rainfall.The site can include lawn, sand, or an area with existing weeds. Ensure the soil consists mainly of clay or loam particles.The area is free from above-ground obstacles like utility poles, overhanging wires, or tree branches.The area avoids underground utility lines (e.g., water, sewage, gas, or electrical lines). If unsure, consult the maintenance staff or call the local utility marking service.Ensure the site is a reasonable distance from buildings to prevent interference with windows, doors, or HVAC systems. Provide approximate distance (e.g., 10 feet or more).
4. Before planting the roll out garden, you will need to prepare a 6ftx10ft space by removing the lawn and/or weeds growing there. This can be accomplished by hand or through smothering the area with cardboard and compost for 4 - 6 weeks prior to planting.

5. Once planted, the plants will require the following maintenance*:
- Watering during the first three weeks after planting to help them establish.
- Supplemental watering during dry periods.
- Cut back perennials in late winter and divide after second year.
*You will receive training in how to do the above three maintenance tasks.
Please describe your plan for maintenance. Maintenance can be done by you, your students, a parent volunteer, etc.
6. Ideally, you will teach the Symbiotic Schoolyard Ecosystem Unit for years to come in conjunction with planting an Ecoplantia Roll-Out Garden. Are you potentially interested in this continuing enrichment opportunity? Is there space in your schoolyard and/or surrounding neighborhood to grow more Roll-Out Gardens?
Keep in mind that roll out gardens can be planted in sidewalk margins, inside roundabouts, in raised beds near pavement, etc.
7. Are you able to begin the Symbiotic Schoolyard Ecosystem Unit sometime between August 15th and Oct. 1st of fall 2025?
Planting day can happen anytime after Lesson 9 during the unit (there are 13 lessons total). It’s recommended you give yourself four weeks to get to lesson 9.
8. If your application is accepted, are you available to attend a 2 hour Zoom Training in April (time to be determined)? During this training you will gain a scientific understanding of how the Ecoplantia Native Roll Out Garden will increase biodiversity in your schoolyard and you will receive a training in the Symbiotic Schoolyard Ecosystem Unit.
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Homegrown National Park + Ecoplantia + Symbiotic Schoolyard

Application for Interested Teachers