2025: Riverside Elementary School
Native Garden for Learning & Well-Being
The goal of this project was to transform a sloped, overgrown area on the north side of Riverside Elementary School in Milwaukie, OR into an accessible native plant garden that supports student well-being, environmental education, and ecological restoration.
This landscaping project was unique because students were actively involved in every step of the process, including the planting! After clearing the area, we constructed wooden retaining walls to create raised beds along the slope and prepared the site for planting day. Their hands-on participation made the experience both educational and meaningful.
Michael Pride, D7D Design Support says, “I was very impressed with their interest in the plants and their care in learning how to plant—even gathering agates to place “treasure” in every plant hole. After being involved with this project, I feel honored to be part of these students’ growing appreciation for the land, plants, animals, and how things are built—I’m grateful for the smiles they bring me.”
By removing invasive species such as blackberries and ivy and replacing a section of turf with native planting areas, this space has become a dynamic outdoor classroom and calming retreat! The new garden offers students—especially those without access to nature at home—a chance to explore, imagine, and connect with the natural world. Through hands-on involvement in planning, planting, and caretaking, students gain practical knowledge of native ecosystems, foster environmental stewardship, and benefit from a meaningful, sensory-rich space that nurtures creativity and emotional regulation.
“Our students are beyond excited about the new garden. It will leave a lasting impact on our community, and we’re incredibly grateful. This has been such an incredible experience, and I know how proud our students are of the garden. Thank you for everything you did to bring it to life and for being there on our planting day to experience all the joy and excitement. It is such a beautiful space.”
—Sarah Hill, Riverside Elementary 4th Grade Teacher