Reed Beck '24 and his classmates planted 936 native plants together to create a bio-swale on campus this past spring. With the support of his friends and the Physical Plant staff, the bioswale he created will continue to fill out and bloom — not only adding more beauty on campus, but also providing food and shelter for wildlife in a sustainable way. 

Reed won the Green Initiative Contest last year, which encourages George School students to develop new proposals for improving environmental awareness and enhancing environmental education on the George School campus. Students can work independently or in groups to submit proposals that focus on energy conservation, environmental education, educational community outreach, renewable energy, or sustainable living. His project was selected by the Environmental Stewardship Oversight Committee (ESOC) with the committee approving a $10,000 funding award to move his project forward. 

"My proposal is to enhance the ditch/culvert behind MDA Library and in-between the soccer field and the tent into a bio-swale," Reed shared in his proposal. A bio-swale channel is designed to concentrate and convey stormwater runoff while removing debris and pollution. "This would mean accentuating the water control to funnel into that area. Along with this we would plant different species of native plants that use the water and help to keep any soil in place."

Him and his friends, Noah Buxton '24, Avery Sheehan '24, Xavier Valdepenas-Mellor '24, and his sister Maggie Beck '26, completed the project on campus in late spring. Reed shared this this idea relates back to George School's mission statement because this project advocates for the earth by having the plants it was meant to have in this area and because it restores the native plant community on campus.

THE IMPACT?

Educational: It provides a place for environmental sciences to see active water management done sustainably and provides a better place for science courses to study effects of native plants in a functional environment. 

Environmental : It will help control water runoff and prevent the degradation of soil by providing a place for that water to run and be used by the plants.

Plants were purchased from a local native plant nursery recommended by Reed called Kind Earth Growers. He shared that this project would provide a great opportunity to build a relationship with them for future projects on campus because they are a local resource that produces high quality plants.  

"This bio-swale provides a place for animals, such as butterflies, to have a sanctuary. It also creates an opportunity to educate the community about native planting to help the local environment and help beautify the campus with the plants," said Reed, who channeled sustainability in his project proposal and its implementation. "This creates a habitat for local species and restores our area with native plants."