Mike Strohschein

Environmental science students at Spring Hill High School will design and construct a series of six raised-bed flower gardens with built-in irrigation systems during the "Water Conservation and Raised Bed Gardening" project. Strohschein developed the program for the students to plant six gardens: a tulip garden, two butterfly gardens, a native Kansas plants garden, a cut-flower garden, and a perennial garden. Students will learn specifics about water conservation and erosion protection techniques, along with the importance and benefits of rain barrels in the community. This hands-on project will provide students interested in landscaping and horticulture with career experience. Students may volunteer to maintain gardens over the summer. Once the gardens are ready for observation, other classrooms may utilize them for various projects and enjoy the beautiful area for outdoor lessons. Strohschein, who lives in Edwardsville, would eventually like to add trees, walking paths, park benches, and a water feature to enhance the area.