Phases Proposal

What We Imagine

The following images and descriptions are what fueled the grant proposal; they are the ideals for which we are striving to make a reality at Robertson Elementary, for the entire Robertson Community!

To achieve these goals, we have split our proposal into manageable phases, with additional phases for future plans if funding can be raised.

“The ecosystems that skill-up will win in the innovation economy” - Tom Vander Ark, Forbes

 Phase 1

Pine Forested Zone

Habitat Area: Natural clearing surrounded by pine forest can be used for contemplation and content knowledge or group gatherings

Signage: To identify different areas, plants, native lifeforms

Seating: Natural, recycled rocks, and logs 

Nature Trails Zone

Habitat Area: Natural paths and forested areas for exploration, observation, study, wildlife experiences, etc *Cleared and cleaned 3/16/24!

Signage: Needed to identify different areas, plants, etc

Seating: Not necessary but there are smaller clearings off the paths that can be used for gathering spots

Bug Hotels

Habitat Area: Naturally we need a hotel for our 'mini-beasts' that support our natural environments. 

Signage: To identify different insects, invertebrates, and ecological impact of the smallest creatures 

Bat Houses

Created and installed by local scout troop Eagle Scout Eiriana Fairbairn Summers!


 Phase 2

Nature Classroom Zone

The Nature Classroom Zone is heavily inspired by the Hedge School in Ireland; the committee loved many of the features of this round, outdoor, multi-use space! It is accessible to everyone, with multiple functionality, like a stage area for teaching and other functions that is easily viewed from all areas with the tiered level design, which allows for plantings in between sections as well. The proposed area is opposite the "back field" from the Pine Forested Zone, located where the baseball backstop had been, with paved pathways for access from the crosswalk.

Habitat Area: Have a large area set aside for local habitat using native plants; use multi-level beds for ADA access too; this will grow with the students

Irrigation: Use rainwater collection and self-sustaining irrigation systems with solar powered pumps

Technology: Solar powered lights will help illuminate the area for visibility and safety during anytime use. Wi-Fi boosters will extend the area of use for connected devices. Monitored cameras will also be installed for security

“Wall:” Use trellis style posts like a “fence” to help keep playground equipment out of gardens, as well as providing extra space for growing native plants, herbs, and providing housing for birds

“Ceiling:” Cables that connect the “walls” can help create a natural shade covering by encouraging vine growth

Weather Area: Install and monitor barometers

Compass Rose: Stamped into concrete base to help teach direction, geography, and more

Pictured above is a sample of a Nature Classroom with "walls" and "ceiling" filling in with vine/leaf coverage to eventually provide a bit of shade. A "wall" section is shown below, as well as the irrigation system to water the plants.

 Phase 3
(Pending available funds & timeline)

Sensory Garden

Sensory Gardens are used to reflect, relax, and focus on an emotional connection to nature using the 5 senses, with emphasis on Responsive Classroom. The recommended area for this zone is by the pine forested classroom area with additional privacy plantings and other fencing with an arched gate. 

This area would be filled with local plants like:


This entire area would be ADA accessible and contain self-sustaining irrigation systems using rain-barrel collection and solar powered pumps, as well as solar powered lighting for safety and anytime use.

This is the existing area at Robertson shown with an overlay of the Garden as the Committee envisions!

Pictured above is only a sample of a Sensory Garden, but it did inspire the committee's ideas.
Below, a sample of a decorative Rain Barrel for the irrigation system.