Nicola Canford Grade 2/3 Students hope to find out!

Will Grass Grown on Mine Tailings?

Craigmont Mines Tailings

School Worm Compost

These grade 2/3 students want to expand on the new Ecosystem which was started by their Grade 6’s peers in June, 2011!

Before Planting- 2010Craigmont Mines Site – Grassland and Forest Habitat in background. Mine Tailings in Foreground.

Beginnings of a new ecosystemat Craigmont Mines on Tailings SiteJune, 2011

Tailings with Good Earth Compost

Craigmont Tailings – June, 2011

Craigmont Mines TailingsPlant and Tree Growth August, 2011

Grass Seeds and Mine Tailings/ Worm Compost- November, 2011

Tailings and Plant Growth – Phase Two – 2011

We’re mixing Mine Tailings and Bio Char and planting grass seeds

Grass Seeds planted in Mine Tailings and GoodEarth Compost

February , 2012 – Grass Growth

Our grade 2/3 class has been discussing ecosystems. We have looked at positive and negative interactions with the environment. As we looked around our neighbourhood at ecosystems, we discussed the Craigmont Mines Tailings. We remembered a project done by grade 6 students at our school and decided that we would like to add to it.

Our scientific project is to use our school’s worm compost, local Good Earth compost, BioChar, and soil each mixed with the Craigmont Mines Tailings to see which mixture is best to grow grass seed in.

Because the grass grew in Tailings, we will plant grass at the mine tailings site according to the best mixture. Hopefully this will invite other native species, such as birds, butterflies, worms, and other forest and grassland creatures back so a new ecosystem can replace the lifeless Tailings Pond.

Green Games Project-