Govans Elementary School
Baltimore, Maryland
Govans Elementary School (#213) is a member of the Monarch Sister Schools Program serving Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade students in northern Baltimore City.
The Govans Elementary Butterfly Habitat Garden was installed Fall, 2013 with the help of students, teachers, and community volunteers. The plants chosen for the garden are native to the Maryland area and attract butterflies. The garden is located on the school campus and consists of two raised beds, which surround an existing mosaic sculpture. The garden is located in a common area near the entrance of the school and is visible to the community. The MSSP has provided Govans teachers with two Resource Guides (K2nd grade and 3rd5th grade curriculum), which address the life sciences, math, and the arts.
The school has worked with MSSP to create garden plant signs that list the name of the native plant species (Latin name and common name), as well as care requirements. With the help of a local non-profit, Art With A Heart, Govans was able to add mosaic stepping stones to the garden area.
Additionally, in Spring, 2016 the Govans Garden Club began Cultural Exchange Skype session with their Mexican Sister School, Leona Vicario. Students presented on their school garden as well as their community, recent field trip to Great Kids Farm, and their favorite hobbies.
The entire Govans community is very proud of their garden!
