More Nature
Thanks to all who have made my vision become a reality. Big thanks to my loving parents who have supported me threw out all of my wildest ideas and dreams. Special thanks to Betty Gadient for the love, support and inspiration.
From the bottom of my heart I thank the community of the Florida Keys for the generous support.
Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
Green Dreams Nursery
Eden House
Good Food Conspiracy
Marc House
Earth and Sea Irrigation
First State bank
And to all of my wonderful life long friends who spent countless hours in the hot sun making the habitat beautiful and healthy,
Chris Gorden, Mike Townsen, Mike VT, DJ, Ashley Todd, Kim Grattan, Shula Freedman and Ben Hockney, and my research side-kick, Leidy Promack and Julie Moore.
Thank you Garden Club of Key West for the generous scholarship. I will be forever grateful.
Thank you Ripple Project for the generous Scholarship as well.
Last but not least, Thank you Prescott College!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Finished Product!
This past week Ashley Moore has finished her senior project an all native plant habitat at Sugarloaf School. The project consisted of planting over one hundred plants which were donated from a variety of local nurseries in the Keys. The plants in the habitat resemble two habitats found in the Florida Keys. On the left are the “salty plants” as Moore refers to them, are from the vital habitat of the coastal rockland. Taking up the majority of the garden is the pineland rock hammock habitat. These two habitats are a vital part of the ecosystem of the Florida Keys and provide great learning opportunities for students at Sugarloaf School.
A beautiful plaque placed in the beginning of the habitat catches people’s attention as walking by. The sign tells the purpose of the project “Moore Nature, creating care takers of the land one student at a time”. Each different species of plant also has a name plaque with its common name and botanical name. Towards the back of the habitat is a plaque recognizing all who has contributed to the habitat. These Plaques were donated by Dee Parks and were hand carved with great patience and love.
Moore has scheduled Master Gardeners to come in once a month to manicure and ensure the habitat is healthy for years to come. This also provides Sugarloaf School of less responsibility and labor.
The habitat will thrive with the help of the community for years to come. Moore only hopes that the school takes full advantage of this swell project and the students receive the excellent benefits of learning in this environment.
“It’s been so exciting being involved in this project. It’s been a great pleasure to be back on campus and giving back to the school that gave me so much as a young child.” Moore is currently going back to Arizona to graduate from Prescott College and plans to further her education at University of Arizona for the graduate degree. She plans on returning to her home in the Florida Keys and become even more involved with conservation and environmental education in the Florida Keys.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Irrigation irrigation irrigation!
Irrigation is in! With the help of 5 incredible helpers, Mike, Mike, Shula, DJ and Chris we were able to install three rain barrels, 200 feet of irrigation with 75 emitters for each individual plant! The process was slow and difficult with punching holes, connection tubes, along with emitters but it will pay in the long run.
While promising Sugarloaf school of no financial burden by this project, I offered alternative watering outlets which are self sustaining rain barrels. Native plants that have been transplanted from pot to earth need at least 3 years of scheduled water (depending on plant), according to Midge from Earth and Sea Irrigation. The rain barrels and irrigation system donated by Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will play a vital role in the success of the habitat for years to come.
I hope teachers will incorporate the rain barrels in their current curriculum and teach students the importance of alternative watering and water conservation.
Straight from the Key West Citizen front page!
Article Tools A Sugarloaf School alumnus has found a way to give back to her elementary and middle school alma mater in the form of an outdoor classroom equipped with walking paths and native plants instead of desks and bookshelves.
Class adds 'More Nature'
By MANDY BOLEN Citizen Staff
Ashley Moore grew up in Big Pine Key and left her native Florida Keys to attend college in Arizona, where she is majoring in environmental and marine studies.
Eventually, Moore wants to teach high school students, but right now said the ideal job would be to continue installing all-native, outdoor classrooms in all Monroe County schools.
As part of her undegraduate degree requirements, Moore has implemented her own More Nature program at Sugarloaf School.
"My aim is to create a space in which students have the opportunity to learn about companionship and stewardship with the natural world," she said.
When finished, the all-native, outdoor classroom will be in the heart of the school's campus and will include plants that attract butterflies, Sugarloaf Principal Terri Axford said.
"She's also including a walking path," Axford said. "So that when the teachers and students are studying plants in science -- or the life cycle of the butterfly -- they will be able to use this classroom."
Moore presented her project idea to the Sugarloaf School Advisory Committee, and assured Axford and other administrators that it will not cost the school district anything.
Thus far, Moore has received donations of plants, machinery, labor, money and other materials from local nurseries and businesses. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority donated a rain barrel in which the garden can collect rain for irrigation.
"I worked on a similar project in Arizona, when I was observing a classroom for student teaching," she said.
The plants that are native to Arizona differ greatly from those in the Florida Keys.
The Sugarloaf outdoor classroom will include sea grape, herb of grace, Cuban jute, buttonwood, thatch palm, slash pine and milkweed to attract butterflies.
Moore also will design a curriculum for teachers to use at their will to ensure proper environmental education, she said.
The outdoor classroom likely will be finished in the next two to three weeks -- just in time for the students to celebrate the end of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
"I wanted to come back to my community to give back," said Moore, who spent nine years at the Sugarloaf campus.
"The fact that she chose us makes you feel like you really contributed to the future of a student," Axford said.
To learn more about the project, visit http://morenature.blogspot.com.
mbolen@keysnews.com
Class adds 'More Nature'
By MANDY BOLEN Citizen Staff
Ashley Moore grew up in Big Pine Key and left her native Florida Keys to attend college in Arizona, where she is majoring in environmental and marine studies.
Eventually, Moore wants to teach high school students, but right now said the ideal job would be to continue installing all-native, outdoor classrooms in all Monroe County schools.
As part of her undegraduate degree requirements, Moore has implemented her own More Nature program at Sugarloaf School.
"My aim is to create a space in which students have the opportunity to learn about companionship and stewardship with the natural world," she said.
When finished, the all-native, outdoor classroom will be in the heart of the school's campus and will include plants that attract butterflies, Sugarloaf Principal Terri Axford said.
"She's also including a walking path," Axford said. "So that when the teachers and students are studying plants in science -- or the life cycle of the butterfly -- they will be able to use this classroom."
Moore presented her project idea to the Sugarloaf School Advisory Committee, and assured Axford and other administrators that it will not cost the school district anything.
Thus far, Moore has received donations of plants, machinery, labor, money and other materials from local nurseries and businesses. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority donated a rain barrel in which the garden can collect rain for irrigation.
"I worked on a similar project in Arizona, when I was observing a classroom for student teaching," she said.
The plants that are native to Arizona differ greatly from those in the Florida Keys.
The Sugarloaf outdoor classroom will include sea grape, herb of grace, Cuban jute, buttonwood, thatch palm, slash pine and milkweed to attract butterflies.
Moore also will design a curriculum for teachers to use at their will to ensure proper environmental education, she said.
The outdoor classroom likely will be finished in the next two to three weeks -- just in time for the students to celebrate the end of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
"I wanted to come back to my community to give back," said Moore, who spent nine years at the Sugarloaf campus.
"The fact that she chose us makes you feel like you really contributed to the future of a student," Axford said.
To learn more about the project, visit http://morenature.blogspot.com.
mbolen@keysnews.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The past weekend (February 27th, 28th and March 1st) was incredibly productive for the More Nature project! I wish I could express all of my gratitude in a single letter to all who helped transported plants, materials, and mulch along with heavy labor work and enthusiasm! Ben Hockney, Ashley Miralise and my sister Danielle Moore were a big help on Friday when we filled over 30 bags of mulch donated by Dot Palm, and 5 bags of manure donated by the Monroe County Correction Facility Petting Zoo and transported it all to Sugarloaf School. Thanks folks!
The following Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised by the great help that showed up that morning to dig holes, plant the shrubs and trees and spread mulch. Big thanks goes out to Shula Freedman, Ashley Todd, Midge Jolly and husband for the excellent garden and planting skills. With their help More Nature was able to plant over 60 plants that day! But it wouldn’t had been possible without the enormous help by Mike Townsend (red), and DJ who dug all of the holes by their burly and manly selves! Mucho Gracias you two. I look forward continuing this project and involving as many people as possible!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
As time goes on
More Nature
For those who are not familiar with the More Nature Project, Ashley Moore is currently creating an all-native plant habitat to be used as an outdoor classroom. She strongly believes that the educational system needs more alternative teaching outlets. The project employs an optimistic approach of implementing environmental education in the public school setting. Moore, a former Sugarloaf student decided that it would be a wonderful idea to create an all native plant habitat in which students
and teachers could use as an alternative learning environment, “My aim is to create a space in which students have the opportunity to learn about companionship and stewardship with the natural world” Moore comments. The all-native habitat is located in the heart of the school where teachers can teach integrated lessons from multidisciplinary aspects, including science, math, writing and humanities, without leaving the campus.
Moore has encountered many obstacles while trying to make her vision a reality. She explains that the most difficult problem she has encountered was receiving funding in tough times that we are currently facing with the economy. Moore has realized that sending emails to over 100 neighboring businesses and organizations would not be sufficient to raise enough money needed for this specific project. She had to reach out to the community on a personal level. Moore traveled and spoke to several local businesses explaining the importance of her worthy project. In turn, Moore has raised fifteen hundred dollars and would personally like to thank all who have contributed financially. A special thanks especially goes out to the Eden House in Key West for the generous donation, love, and support.
Moore thus far has received an incredible amount of support whether it has been through donated time, money or materials. Green Dreams Nursery located in Big Pine Key is supplying machinery work, laborers, and plants. She exclaims that the project wouldn’t be happening
without the generous time and money Green Dreams had contributed. She also had a variety of local nurseries donate plants such as 10,000 Palms in Marathon, John Pennekamp Native Plant Nursery, Octopus Garden, Big Pine Key and the Marc House in Key West. Florida Keys Aqueduct Authoriy is also involved, supplying the project with rain barrels so the project will be sustainable for years to come while ensuring the school of no financial burden. Dozens of people and businesses are eager to help. Moore says “I can’t explain how many people have showed genuine passion for the project. Everybody wants to see the habitat succeed. The project wouldn’t be successful without the help from the community, I feel truly blessed to have been born and raised in the Florida Keys.”
Moore hopes the Keynoter will keep the community posted on the progress of the native plant habitat and encourages anyone to contact her if they are interested in learning more about the project. She also stresses that her financial needs are not yet met. Materials, donations, master gardeners, and volunteers are still greatly encouraged. “I will never forget that to obtain a vision of any matter there will be obstacles along the way, but none too big to cross. I know that my convictions and determination will always allow me to prevail no matter how big my dream is.” –Ashley Moore
For those who are not familiar with the More Nature Project, Ashley Moore is currently creating an all-native plant habitat to be used as an outdoor classroom. She strongly believes that the educational system needs more alternative teaching outlets. The project employs an optimistic approach of implementing environmental education in the public school setting. Moore, a former Sugarloaf student decided that it would be a wonderful idea to create an all native plant habitat in which students
and teachers could use as an alternative learning environment, “My aim is to create a space in which students have the opportunity to learn about companionship and stewardship with the natural world” Moore comments. The all-native habitat is located in the heart of the school where teachers can teach integrated lessons from multidisciplinary aspects, including science, math, writing and humanities, without leaving the campus.Moore has encountered many obstacles while trying to make her vision a reality. She explains that the most difficult problem she has encountered was receiving funding in tough times that we are currently facing with the economy. Moore has realized that sending emails to over 100 neighboring businesses and organizations would not be sufficient to raise enough money needed for this specific project. She had to reach out to the community on a personal level. Moore traveled and spoke to several local businesses explaining the importance of her worthy project. In turn, Moore has raised fifteen hundred dollars and would personally like to thank all who have contributed financially. A special thanks especially goes out to the Eden House in Key West for the generous donation, love, and support.
Moore thus far has received an incredible amount of support whether it has been through donated time, money or materials. Green Dreams Nursery located in Big Pine Key is supplying machinery work, laborers, and plants. She exclaims that the project wouldn’t be happening
without the generous time and money Green Dreams had contributed. She also had a variety of local nurseries donate plants such as 10,000 Palms in Marathon, John Pennekamp Native Plant Nursery, Octopus Garden, Big Pine Key and the Marc House in Key West. Florida Keys Aqueduct Authoriy is also involved, supplying the project with rain barrels so the project will be sustainable for years to come while ensuring the school of no financial burden. Dozens of people and businesses are eager to help. Moore says “I can’t explain how many people have showed genuine passion for the project. Everybody wants to see the habitat succeed. The project wouldn’t be successful without the help from the community, I feel truly blessed to have been born and raised in the Florida Keys.”Moore hopes the Keynoter will keep the community posted on the progress of the native plant habitat and encourages anyone to contact her if they are interested in learning more about the project. She also stresses that her financial needs are not yet met. Materials, donations, master gardeners, and volunteers are still greatly encouraged. “I will never forget that to obtain a vision of any matter there will be obstacles along the way, but none too big to cross. I know that my convictions and determination will always allow me to prevail no matter how big my dream is.” –Ashley Moore
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Donating and Making a Difference!
A little bit about me and the project:
I am working on my senior project from Prescott College. I was born and raised in the Florida Keys and moved away to attend college in Arizona. Coming back to fulfill my commitment to my community in the Keys, I have decided to create an all native plant habitat for my undergraduate degree.
The project is titled More Nature and has a specific goal in mind; to teach environmental education to students in public schools along with providing a place where environmental e
ducation can be taught. I hope the project will catch on to other schools located through out the Florida keys in time to come and spread awareness about our diverse and fragile ecosystems. With an all native plant habitat used as an outdoor classroom centered in the heart of the school, students will be able to experience learning in all academic areas including math, language arts, reading, social studies and science. In turn this will enable hands on and stimulating learning for all ages.
There will be a variety of plant species ranging from Seagrape, Herb of Grace, Cuban Jute, Buttonwood, Thatch Palm, Slash Pine, and Milkweed to attract butter flies. A curriculum will be designed for teachers to use at their will and to ensure proper environmental education.
Paramount to any new initiative is the support of the community financially. Support can be derived from grants, fund raising, donations and time. If you feel you can help you will be sure to know you are touching lives of students for generations to come. Please contact me if you are interested in the project itself or interested in generously donating your time, money or materials.
Ashley Moore
374 Palmetto Ave
Big Pine Key Fl 33043
Amoore@prescott.edu
(305)394-1871
Sincerely,
Ashley Moore
Creating care takers of the land one student at a time
I am working on my senior project from Prescott College. I was born and raised in the Florida Keys and moved away to attend college in Arizona. Coming back to fulfill my commitment to my community in the Keys, I have decided to create an all native plant habitat for my undergraduate degree.
The project is titled More Nature and has a specific goal in mind; to teach environmental education to students in public schools along with providing a place where environmental e
ducation can be taught. I hope the project will catch on to other schools located through out the Florida keys in time to come and spread awareness about our diverse and fragile ecosystems. With an all native plant habitat used as an outdoor classroom centered in the heart of the school, students will be able to experience learning in all academic areas including math, language arts, reading, social studies and science. In turn this will enable hands on and stimulating learning for all ages.There will be a variety of plant species ranging from Seagrape, Herb of Grace, Cuban Jute, Buttonwood, Thatch Palm, Slash Pine, and Milkweed to attract butter flies. A curriculum will be designed for teachers to use at their will and to ensure proper environmental education.
Paramount to any new initiative is the support of the community financially. Support can be derived from grants, fund raising, donations and time. If you feel you can help you will be sure to know you are touching lives of students for generations to come. Please contact me if you are interested in the project itself or interested in generously donating your time, money or materials.
Ashley Moore
374 Palmetto Ave
Big Pine Key Fl 33043
Amoore@prescott.edu
(305)394-1871
Sincerely,
Ashley Moore
Creating care takers of the land one student at a time
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