Echo Lake PTA Weed 'n Feed - good clean fun in the dirt

Nathan and Samantha find a giant earthworm
at the PTA-sponsored Weed 'n Feed at Echo Lake Elementary
Photo by Terry Stevens-Ayers

The Echo Lake Parent Teacher Association (PTA) held a fall Weed and Feed work party on the school grounds at Echo Lake Elementary School on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 9am to noon.

Families from the school brought their shovels and garden tools and spent the morning cleaning up the school grounds.  In the photo above, Nathan and Samantha probably didn't know they were in for an educational experience, but were delighted with the giant earthworm they found.

Organized by PTA volunteer Susan Miskovsky, the group plans to have events at least twice a year.

Asmorom Kidane takes a broom to the fall leaves on the street.
Photo by Terry Stevens-Ayers

A cold fall and the wind left piles of leaves on the sidewalk, streets, and planting beds.  Asmorom Kidane took a broom to the street to clean up the area.

Nathan and his Mom attack several blocks of leaves
Photo by Terry Stevens-Ayers

The cold, dry fall meant there were a lot of leaves to rake up. Nathan and his Mom attack the piles of leaves in the planting beds with garden rakes.

Antonio Cruz pauses with a handful of weeds.
Photo by Terry Stevens-Ayers

Plant experts were on hand to help distinguish the invasive plants from the native plants. Volunteers have been working for over a year to remove invasive plants from the school grounds. The school also boasts a Native Plant Garden which is planted to replicate different zones and plants native to each zone.

Shawn Laris and Monica Wilson
Photo by Terry Stevens-Ayers

Shawn Laris and Monica Wilson pose by a raised planting bed in an immaculately groomed area of the school.

Volunteers were pleased with the day's accomplishments. The PTA plans to sponsor clean-up parties twice a year. Community members are invited to participate and should contact Susan Miskovsky to be added to the contact list, 206-529-4769.