Learn more about the GPS and GIS technology our students are utilizing for this project.

Take a look at the Earth Day Project that our students completed following this project!

The Service:
The Florida Keys sustained damage to trees and vegetation as a result of four hurricanes during the 2005 season. One area particularly hard hit was the Village of Islamorada. The Plantation Hammock Preserve (PHP) located in Islamorada, is an area where there was great loss of trees due to hurricane damage and must be replanted in order to stop further erosion.

Replacing this area with native trees will further safeguard it from subsequent hurricane damage. Native trees are better adapted to surviving the Florida Keys hurricane season. In order for future generations to understand the connection between hurricane mitigation, sustainability and native trees; youth must be involved in educational and volunteer efforts.

Download PDF about planting native plants

How it helps our students:

Students at Treasure Village Montessori School will set goals, organize activities and evaluate their progress. Students will also have the opportunity to invite various community professionals to their classroom that can provide insight into a variety of careers; like Emergency Management, community non-profit organizations, communication and technology. Students will feel empowered to assist in their communities during times of natural disasters. Additionally, students will instruct their peers about what they are learning through the use of student presentations.

The students will have contributed to their communities through the use of new technologies and as a result of their work with adult partners, community agencies and peers. The reflection and celebration pieces will give the students an opportunity to achieve a great sense of satisfaction and appreciation from their community.

This ceremony was held to dedicate the gazebo located between the butterfly area and the Children's Memorial Tree Garden (CMTG), display the scrapbook of the CMTG and promote service learning to the community. THis event was attended by school administrators, district personaell, community leaders such as the mayor, city manager, fire chief and law enforcement as well as teachers, parents, and students involved in the project.