Brookview Elementary to host ‘mini forest’ planting; community partners, Iowa State to help
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Summary
Brookview Elementary principal Steph Angelina and volunteer Walter Pearson described a community-led plan to plant a densely spaced native-species mini forest on district property south of Brookview in early May, with planting and volunteer opportunities and academic partnerships with Iowa State University and local groups.
Steph Angelina, principal at Brookview Elementary, and volunteer Walter Pearson presented a plan to the Waukee Community School District board to plant a mini forest on district property just south of Brookview, near Jordan Creek.
Angelina said the school is partnering with a community group and volunteers to install a densely planted native-tree area designed to grow rapidly and provide environmental education opportunities for students. Pearson described the mini forest concept, saying close spacing (about two feet apart) of many native species accelerates canopy and understory development; he said the project will include roughly 27 Iowa-native species such as redbuds and dogwoods and will be mulched and maintained for approximately three years until it becomes largely self-sustaining.
Pearson said the first on-site planting day with Brookview students is scheduled for May 3, with a public planting day on May 4 (rain dates discussed), and ongoing volunteer needs for weeding and maintenance through the summer and fall. He said the City of West Des Moines has donated the trees and that Waukee Apex is providing publicity and volunteer coordination; Iowa State University’s forestry department will assist with planting and offer research and lesson-plan support.
The project’s planned location is visible from the trail south of the shelter and will be available for outdoor lessons and community visits. Pearson encouraged the public to sign up via a volunteer-registration QR code he provided and said donations will be accepted. Board members praised the partnership and suggested the project could serve as a model for other schools if the initial planting and maintenance go well.
No formal board action was required; presenters asked only for help recruiting volunteers and for the board to note the partnership work with the city and Iowa State.