Longterm Connections: Maintenance


All too often, maintenance plans for schoolyard habitat projects are considered only as an afterthought or, worse, are forgotten altogether. One of the most common reasons some maintenance personnel and administrators dread schoolyard habitat projects is that they have been burned before (or have heard of problems through the grapevine). Poorly planned projects may still get in the ground, but without a solid plan for maintenance and use, these projects are destined to become neglected or abandoned in the long run. Not only is it sad to see all that time and effort go to waste, but failed habitat projects set a bad precedent and make it infinitely more difficult for anyone else to get permission to create a project. In fact, many grantors now require that you include a maintenance plan with your grant application. For these reasons, it is crucial that you develop a solid maintenance plan. Here are some tips on what to include in your plan and where to find help with project upkeep:

General Maintenance Tips:

•  Maintenance includes watering, weeding, and replacing missing or damaged plants or habitat elements

•  Form a group of volunteers to help with maintenance throughout the year. Sources of volunteers may include your PTA, community, other staff members, local churches or civic organizations, boy & girl scouts, Eagle scouts (they need to work on community service projects to receive their badge and typically are an invaluable resource) and students looking for Service Learning opportunities.

•  Plan for immediate, seasonal and future maintenance of your project.

•  Summer maintenance : Once established, native plants usually do not need to be watered much, unless the weather is particularly dry (Maryland has been prone to droughts in recent years.)   Laying weed-block fabric under the top layer of soil or using mulch may help reduce (but not eliminate) the need for weeding. You should have volunteers who are responsible for watering and weeding during the summer. Make sure they are familiar with your plants vs. weeds and invasives; see the native plants page for plant guides.

•  Discuss potential projects with your maintenance staff and administration. The goal of schoolyard habitat projects is to restore habitat and address schoolyard problems, NOT to add work for your maintenance staff or create an unsustainable habitat that will become an eyesore. They may be able to direct you to problem areas on the grounds that a habitat project may fix (i.e. poor drainage) or a spot that's a nuisance for them to mow. They may even be willing to assist with project maintenance, but remember: you and your students are ultimately responsible for project upkeep.

•  Add (and maintain) signs and borders. This will help distinguish a project area and can prevent an accidental mow-down.

Helpful Maintenance Links:

•  Finding help with your project -- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide

•  Maintenance: FOREST -- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide

•  Maintenance: WETLAND -- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide

•  Maintenance: MEADOW -- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide

•  Overcoming & Avoiding Schoolyard Habitat Obstacles