With the assistance from resourceful volunteers and from the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District we are LEARNING while LEAVING A LEGACY through the Vinton-Shellsburg Outdoor Classroom/Landscaping Project.

Since the completed construction of Vinton-Shellsburg High School there has been a community-wide effort to enhance the physical appearance, along with a focus on creating lasting learning opportunities for Vinton-Shellsburg High School students.

Since 2008, the following plant materials have been installed at the 210 W. 21st Street location in Vinton.

Plant                              Quantity planted                   Quantity # of Species

Hardwood Trees         165                                         26

Evergreen Trees            91                                          6

Shrubs                            70                                          15

Seedling Trees             500                                         7

Totals                              826                                         54

We are proud of the fact that since the installation, we have lost only (5) plant materials. That is a retention rate of 99.4%. Experts indicate that a 60% retention rate is typical, so we have been very fortunate at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School site. Since 2008, the following information has been gathered on the amount of volunteer labor and student involvement in the Outdoor Classroom/Landscaping Enhancement Project.

A total of 136 volunteers, including VSHS students and staff, AmeriCorps members and others, volunteered for a total of 3,884 hours, which has a financial value of $60,229.16

In addition to the aforementioned installation of plant materials, the following projects have also recently taken place.

* Bullet edging and mulching around 85% of Vinton-Shellsburg High School

* Reseeding of turf areas

* Soil enhancement to assist in storm water retention

Like any “new” construction, ongoing work and maintenance will need to take place. Future short and long-term plans for the Vinton-Shellsburg High School site that will improve the site aesthetically, enhance learning opportunities, and positively impact the environment are:

* Ongoing soil enhancement work – this includes compost delivery and fertilization

* Maintenance and repair to existing rain garden

* Installation of a large rain garden on the west side of Vinton-Shellsburg High School

* Installation of edible food crop plots with collaboration of the FFA program and incorporation into the school lunch program

Primary funding sources for this project have been through grants – nearly $70,000 has been acquired over the past three years. We have also had the financial support of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District. If you have questions about the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Outdoor Project/Landscape Enhancement Project, please contact Kirk Johnson, High School Principal.